Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has described the BBC as a “light on the hill” and the “best defence against toxic populism” during a speech at the Royal Television Society Convention in Cambridge on Wednesday. Speaking after the Unite the Kingdom rally in London, which saw between 110,000 and 150,000 attendees, Nandy praised the broadcaster for its enduring role in UK society. She noted the recent unrest, which included injuries to 26 police officers and 24 arrests, as a backdrop to her call for cohesion and trust in public institutions.
++ Man claims meteorite hides alien being – bizarre tentacles spark panic
Despite past criticisms, including her own, Nandy emphasised the BBC’s importance in the creative industries. She said: “Every conversation I’ve had with any creative over the last year has acknowledged the absolutely fundamental role of the BBC in our creative industries. It is a light on the hill for people here and across the world, and the best defence against the tide of toxic populism, fear and division that sows distrust.” She highlighted the broadcaster’s ability to deliver shared national moments, such as VE Day broadcasts and popular Christmas shows, which reflect the whole of the UK, not just London.
Nandy also stressed the need for high editorial standards, citing previous controversies including Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance and a Gaza documentary pulled due to the narrator’s family connections. She stated: “Upholding basic editorial standards matters precisely because those voices from Palestine and every place where sunlight is needed, must be heard and must be trusted. People have to be able to trust not just what they see and hear, but in the BBC as an institution.”
++ Netanyahu claims Trump urged rejection of ceasefire deal
Her remarks came ahead of the Government’s review of the BBC Charter, which will assess funding and public relevance up to and beyond 2027. Nandy concluded: “The Charter Review is our opportunity to futureproof the BBC so it thrives not just for the next decade but well into the next century. It must command the trust of the public, deliver fearless reporting, nurture talent, create jobs, and continue to be the light on the hill here and overseas.”
