The selection process which led to the appointment of George Entwistle as the next Director General of the BBC was debated and carried out behind closed doors, with the public having no input in the decision making process. Given the influence of this paramount position, how might the process be handled differently in the future? Is the traditional role of the Director General – as creative leader, editorial boss and executive manager – still best carried out by a single individual? What of the role of selection committee? How are its members selected? What are the potential alternatives to a centralised model?
Programming too is determined by these debates, and the question of what we mean by ‘public interest’ regarding the BBC’s content is one that needs closer scrutiny than ever. The received image of Radio 4 as ‘an old boys club’ is pertinent to many, while the specialist broadcasting that has long been lauded as the institution’s great strength frequently fails to employ, engage and appeal to its diverse audience.
As the UK’s media is increasingly transformed by blogs and citizen journalism, ourBeeb asks how the BBC can respond in turn, as a means of innovating, engaging and establishing democratic credibility.






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