the BBC allows audience to listen from their home, transforming their space
links between individuals and celebs/royalty/politicians etc
connections towards major events like wars/football/royalty weddings, coronations, funerals
The BBC acts as a ‘social cement’
SEATON AND THE BBC
Broadcasting and the theory of public service
“We consider such a potential power over public opinion and the life of the nation ought to remain with the state“
“It was possible for broadcasting to be politically accountable, and yet remain independent of any political influence”
“The state regulation is the best guarantee of broadcasting independence and accountability”
“Without a commitment to public service, broadcasters are increasingly vulnerable to detailed political interference in the content of programmes”
“Broadcasting needs to find a new relationship to the state and a new form of commitment to public service, and indeed a new definition of public service that will work in the conditions of increased populations”
“Points to the corrosive effect of commercial advertising which was sold to offset production costs”
SEATON AND THE BBC
Ownership effects
“peak time television schedules are dominated by lighter entertainment formats
“4 benefits that derive from the bbc’s unique funding status:
Programming standards are raised
High-quality minority interest programming is provided
