Abstract
‘It is the universality of the licence fee that requires us to provide something for everyone…that means we must represent every part of the country and empowers us to make interventions where they are most needed…that allows us to act on behalf of the UK as a whole, carrying our distinctive voice, democratic values, and cultural influence to the world. Remove the universality of our funding model and you remove the obligations that come with it.’
– Sir David Clementi, chairman of the BBC
‘No other broadcaster is actively growing such a diverse and interesting array of new voices. And this year I really want us to focus on inclusion. That’s how we’ll deliver diversity of thinking - which, in turn, will create great ideas, and make people feel they belong. As we all go about our business, we should think of who we listen to. Do we give more airtime in meetings to the extrovert? Shouldn’t we also value the less pushy person, the introvert or the dissenter? Above all we should cherish the art of listening and treat each other with respect.’
– Lord Hall, director-general of the BBC, in a speech to staff
‘Quite simply, the world in which the BBC was created, and the licence fee was established, has changed beyond recognition. So we need to think carefully about what we all want the BBC – and indeed public service broadcasting more generally – to deliver for the years ahead. The BBC’s role is not just to meet the demands of today, but to be ready to meet those of the future.’
– Lady Morgan, speaking as culture secretary
‘I would make the licence fee voluntary…You would lose some people, but at the same time you’d up the price a bit. It’s the price of a cup of coffee a week at the moment. If you put it up you could help older people, or those that can’t afford it.’
– Gary Lineker, talking to The Guardian