Martin Ivens, Columnist

Britain's BBC Is Swimming in Poisonous Cultural Waters

In an era of U.S.-style culture wars, impartiality is key to the BBC’s survival.

October 10, 2020 at 5:00 AM UTC

Martin Ivens is the editor of the Times Literary Supplement. Previously, he was editor of the Sunday Times of London and its chief political commentator.

Damned from both sides.
Photographer: Barcroft Media/Barcroft Media

Provide news feedback or report an error

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

This article is for subscribers only.

The BBC’s new director-general says the British public broadcaster could force its on-air talent to leave social media if they’re not sufficiently impartial. Tim Davie knows this seemingly minor issue is key to his organization’s survival.

For impartiality is what makes it possible for the BBC to be funded by a compulsory tax of 157.50 pounds ($204) on every TV-owning U.K. household. It’s more than a crude matter of balance or neutrality between opposing viewpoints — you can't be neutral on, say, democracy or racism — but it must give “a broad range of perspective over an appropriate timeframe,” and avoid being trapped in echo chambers of narrow opinion.