Read this: The BBC tells the story of Britain in a way Netflix simply cannot. In the year to come, please remember that | Tony Hal
Summary: In an opinion piece for The Guardian published on December 29, 2025, former BBC Director General Tony Hall argues that while streaming giants like Netflix are popular, the BBC remains uniquely vital as Britain's "storyteller." Hall makes the following key points: Cultural Identity vs. Global Appeal: While international streamers produce content designed for a global market, the BBC focuses on stories that reflect British culture, identity, and specific communities. He cites examples like the documentary Our Girls – The Southport Families and shows like The Repair Shop or Countryfile as programming that market-driven streamers would likely never commission. A "National Institution": Hall agrees with recent government sentiments comparing the BBC to the NHS in terms of its importance to the country. He emphasizes its role as social infrastructure, crucial for both democracy (through impartial news) and cultural cohesion. Viewership and Investment: Despite the rise of streaming, the author notes that audiences still spend more time watching the BBC than Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime combined. He also highlights the BBC's role as the largest single investor in UK-made programming, contributing nearly £5 billion to the economy annually. Resilience Against Political Pressure: Addressing a recent controversy involving a $5 billion damages demand from U.S. President Donald Trump, Hall acknowledges the BBC made a mistake but argues the corporation is right to stand its ground and defend its independence. Future Outlook: As the debate over the BBC's charter approaches, Hall urges the public to view the broadcaster not just as a media organization, but as a definer of British culture that must be properly funded to serve everyone, "whoever they are, wherever they live." - www.theguardian.com
www.theguardian.comThe BBC tells the story of Britain in a …Transcriptions done by Google Cloud Platform.
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