BBC turmoil a chance to reflect on social value and democratic role of public broadcasters

BBC turmoil a chance to reflect on social value and democratic role of public broadcasters

The BBC director general and head of news have both resigned after sustained criticism about biased coverage, amid claims the public broadcaster is subject to a campaign by its political enemies. As an RMIT expert explains, public broadcasters may not be immune from mistakes but still deserve independence from government interference.

Alexandra Wake, School of Media and Communication

“With the loss of trust in media and the rise of AI-generated content, the original mission of public broadcasters like the BBC, ABC and SBS is needed more than ever. They must be even more vigilant, fair, and accountable to maintain relevance and public confidence.

“Media organisations are fallible, but public broadcasters face unique scrutiny, disproportionate public and political outrage because they are funded by taxpayers.

“Public broadcasters have long faced attacks from conservative politicians and commercial media rivals, groups which often act in their own interests, not the public’s.

“These types of attacks can weaken public trust and undermine the ability of public broadcasters to fulfill their core mission of impartiality and public service.

“Independence from government interference is essential for publicly funded broadcasters, but their continued trust depends on transparency and accountability to their audience.

“Concerns have risen about BBC board members’ lack of journalistic experience and ineffective editorial standards committees, risking the integrity of reporting. At the ABC, recent board interference in the Antoinette Lattouf case breached internal and legislative standards, undermining credibility and trust.

“Slow or insufficient institutional responses, including delays in accountability for editorial failings, damage public trust; public broadcasters must be robust and brave in facing criticism.

“Resignations at the BBC and new appointments at ABC are key moments to reflect, address challenges, and champion renewed, resilient public broadcasters.”

Alexandra Wake is Professor of Journalism at the RMIT School of Media and Communication. She is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster who has worked in Australia, the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

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General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

10 November 2025

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