More than 10 million people watched Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final on Britain’s public broadcaster on Sunday – and they also saw Louis Theroux stand next to a lever implying the BBC could be switched off without their support.
The scene, part of a new campaign, was an attempt to remind viewers of what could be lost if they take the BBC for granted. Airing the night before Andy Burnham became PM, it also served as a reminder of the stakes at a critical moment for the corporation’s future – one where, insiders say, no part of the organisation will be immune from what’s coming.
A new Prime Minister taking office during negotiations for the broadcaster’s future funding model is hardly ideal for the BBC, but Burnham has a track record in being a vocal supporter, which may go some way to reassure people on the inside.
Shorts
As culture secretary in 2009 he backed the licence fee, telling the Culture Media and Sport Committee: “I cannot see other options that will provide that solid support for public service broadcasting.”
