Competing with the Public Sector in Broadcasting |
| |
Authors: | David Elstein |
| |
Institution: | formerly Chief Executive, Channel 5, 1996–2000. |
| |
Abstract: | There are two public sector broadcasters in the UK: the BBC and Channel 4. In their different ways, their behaviour attracts criticism from the private sector. However, this critique is unfocused and potentially counter-productive. A more efficient – or privatised – public sector would create greater, not lesser, problems for the private sector. The allegations of abuse of privilege and unfair competition may be justified, but the private sector needs a coherent alternative rationale for public funding of broadcasting before it can expect to win a public and political debate. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|