Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch

Elizabeth Anderson: Are We Ready for a Digital‑Only BBC in 2034?

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, discusses how the UK’s move towards a digital‑first media landscape could affect viewers and listeners. We explore what is meant by digital poverty in the UK today, the startling numbers affected, and what the impact could be if traditional broadcast TV (including Freeview) is switched off around 2034 – and how that might affect radio too. What could this mean for access to news, information and entertainment?We examine the relationship between internet connectivity, affordability and basic digital skills – and how that shapes the debate on different options for funding the BBC, and its claim to be a universal public service broadcaster in an online‑only world. We also consider the role of MPs, government and industry in developing a serious digital inclusion strategy and ensuring people are not left behind.Listen to all our episodes here: https://podfollow.com/beebwatch To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership @beebwatch.bsky.social@BeebRogerInstagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatchLinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watchemail: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil Riley, radio executive, on BBC “radio licences”, local radio and the 2034 digital switch‑off

Phil Riley is one of commercial radio’s most experienced executives, former chief executive of Chrysalis Radio and now co‑founder and chief executive of Boom Radio, the station created for Britain’s baby boomers. We discuss current ideas for funding the BBC – including proposals around BBC Sounds and a possible “radio licence” – and what they could mean for both the BBC and commercial radio.We also explore the wider future of radio and public service broadcasting, including the growth of podcasts, streaming and small‑scale DAB, the implications for radio of the proposed 2034 switch‑off of digital terrestrial television, and the changing role of BBC Local Radio and local journalism.“Of all the heritage mainstream media, radio is in the best shape of all of them in terms of its ability to survive.”Listen to all our episodes here: https://podfollow.com/beebwatch To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership @beebwatch.bsky.social@BeebRogerInstagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatchLinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watchemail: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob Crilly, ex-US Chief Correspondent at the Daily Telegraph, on Trump’s First Year, the Media War, and a Pivotal Weekend in Minnesota

Rob Crilly, former Chief US Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail Online, now author of the “Washington Secrets” newsletter at the Washington Examiner, joins us again one year on to assess Donald Trump’s first year in office. We talk about covering a president who sets the agenda via late-night tweets, how the White House manages access and mixes up the briefing room, and what it means for organisations such as the BBC to face a billion‑dollar lawsuit and accusations of “fake news”.We explore Trump’s impact on legacy and public service media (from the BBC to NPR, PBS and Voice of America), the strategy of aggressive denial and attack, the use of leaks and loyalty tests inside the administration, and the growing business and political pressures on newsrooms from CBS to the Washington Post. We also examine Trump’s personal enrichment and conflicts of interest, whether American democracy and its institutions are strong enough to withstand him, and why Rob believes last weekend’s events in Minnesota could prove a pivotal moment in his presidency.Listen to all our episodes here: https://podfollow.com/beebwatch To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership @beebwatch.bsky.social@BeebRogerInstagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatchLinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watchemail: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prof Lee Edwards on BBC Charter Review – A Missed Opportunity?

Lee Edwards, Professor of Strategic Communications and Public Engagement at the London School of Economics, and Chair of the Media Reform Coalition, discusses in detail the government’s green paper on the BBC’s future: the consultation process and timetable; proposed changes to BBC funding—including the possibility of a household levy; principles of universality and public service; and questions about government involvement in BBC governance.We also examine the balance between public purpose and commercial pressures, the BBC’s role in local media, ideas for public engagement and accountability, and consider the funding of the BBC World Service. There is also practical advice on how listeners can respond to the consultation and join the wider debate. The problem is the lack of funding. That does not have to be resolved by advertising or subscription. The lack of funding is about the British government and public’s willingness to buy into and support a substantial public service media organisation. Listen to all our episodes here: https://podfollow.com/beebwatch To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership @beebwatch.bsky.social@BeebRogerInstagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatchLinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watchemail: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Max Hastings, ex Daily Telegraph editor, on defending the BBC from the right wing press

Sir Max Hastings, historian and former editor of the Daily Telegraph and London Evening Standard, discusses Donald Trump’s attack on the BBC, the roots of hostility toward the broadcaster, and the impact of ongoing financial cuts—including what the BBC should prioritise. We also explore editorial challenges, leadership dilemmas, the vital role of the World Service, media coverage of the Middle East, and the future of public service journalism. Drawing on his long career, Sir Max offers candid reflections and opinions on where British media must go next.“I haven’t been allowed to write about Gaza or about what’s going on in Israel by several major British newspapers - and I have asked to do so - because my views would be unacceptable. That it is terribly depressing.”Listen to all our episodes here: https://podfollow.com/beebwatch To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership @beebwatch.bsky.social@BeebRogerInstagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatchLinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watchemail: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.