Scrutiny of the B.B.C.
The only really surprising thing about the recent resolution for a Joint Select Committee of both Houses to consider the renewal of the Charter of the B.B.C. was that it did not come sooner. It is almost impossible to find a single person who, on due considera- tion of the question, fails to see the need for a full and public discussion of the working of British broadcasting. However well or ill the B.B.C. may have done since the Charter was last renewed in 1937, it is impossible to argue that the young and advancing science and art of broadcasting has produced no new questions of technique and organisation in the last ten years. Moreover, it ;s never safe to exempt a monopoly from regular scrutiny, and the B.B.C. is no exception to that salutary rule. Alternatives must be at least considered. Above all, the idea must be got rid of that the only alternative to the present arrangement is the horrible mixture of snippets of light entertainment mixed with advertising. There are many practicable ways of organising broadcasting and getting the money for it, and many of them require much more careful consideration than they are likely to get so long as competition in this country is ruled out. Most of these points were made in the Lords' debate on the subject on Wednesday, though there was no clear recognition there of how numerous are the alternatives to the present monopoly. Lord Brabazon in particular seems to have jumped to the conclusion that broadcast advertising is positively
desirable. Lord Listowel's reply for the Government was far from reassuring, and the- forthcoming White Paper seems very likely to be a mere rationalisation of inertia. But, enlightened opinion will be on the side of Mr. Churchill and the too-odd M.P.s who sup- ported his resolution, and against the Prime Minister's inexplicable statement of three months ago that no independent investigation is necessary. But if there is to be an investigation it must be thorough. The fullest possible evidence must be taken, including evidence from officials of the B.B.C. That will take rather more time than is available between now and the end of the year, when the present Charter expires. Renewal for one year while the necessary inquiry is held is probably the best solution, and perhaps two years might be needed to provide for the practical testing of alternatives.
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