White Paper

What is the vision behind the BBC White Paper?

Listen to a discussion about the long-term implications of this week’s government White Paper on the future of the BBC.

By David Elstein, Phil Harding, Huw Merriman and James Heath

Published: May 13, 2016, 4:05 pm

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After weeks of rumour and speculation about an imminent assault on the BBC the publication of the White Paper on the corporation’s future has been seen by some as anti-climactic. But while the headlines have been restrained, the document makes several suggestions that would have a significant impact on the corporation, including major changes to governance, programming and the mission statement. Last night The Media Society hosted a discussion about the paper, unpacking its key points and asking how they might unfold in the long-term.

Chair: Phil Harding (journalist and media consultant) Speakers: Huw Merriman (Conservative MP Bexhill and Battle), David Elstein (Chairman, openDemocracy), James Heath (BBC Director of Policy)

With thanks to the London Business School for their recording of the event

David Elstein

David Elstein is a former chair of openDemocracy's board. Previously he launched Channel 5 as its chief executive, worked for BSkyB as head of programming, was director of programmes at Thames Television, managing director of Primetime Productions and managing director of Brook Productions.

His career as a producer/director started at the BBC in 1964, and his production credits include 'The World At War', This Week, Panorama, Weekend World, A Week In Politics, 'Nosenko' and 'Concealed Enemies'.

He has been a visiting professor at the universities of Westminster, Stirling and Oxford. He has also chaired Sparrowhawk Media, the British Screen Advisory Council, the Commercial Radio Companies Association, Really Useful Theatres, XSN plc, Sports Network Group, Silicon Media Group, Civilian Content plc and the National Film and Television School. He was also a director of Virgin Media Inc, Marine Track Holdings plc and Kingsbridge Capital Advisors.

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