The BBC, the Labour Party and patriotism

It is clear that many Conservatives would like to 'defund' the BBC by making it a subscription service. However, as one of the keenest proponents of this idea, the former Culture Secretary, John Whittingdale, has observed that this policy this is politically impossible. The BBC is most popular precisely among that demographic - the over 50s - which also supports the BBC. However, it is also a fact that the BBC's income from the licence fee will fall, as it is clear that fewer people (particularly among the under-50s) are watching television, and if they do, they are not necessarily watching the BBC. It is clear that the Tories are uncertain about the solution to this problem. Installing Paul Dacre as head of OfCom is not the answer.

This is an opportunity for Labour to propose a policy, in the form of a hypothecated tax for all public service broadcasting, while preserving the 'arms length' principle. The purpose of this tax would be to accumulate a trust fund which would preserve the independence of public service broadcasting. This could be presented as a new means to preserve 'British' values in broadcasting, which would continue to avoid the perils of commercial pressures and of State control. Labour would therefore be overtly defending undeniably British institutions, while making it clear, in practical terms, that there is no contradiction between patriotism and social democratic values.