Less

I'm afraid that, with one fateful slide, the BBC has set the debate about charter renewal in terms of a lower licence fee.  A powerpoint sheet was sent out to accompany Lord Hall's speech to the Voice of the Listener and Viewer Association yesterday, comparing how much the BBC does now, compared with 20 years ago - on about the same licence fee, adjusted for inflation. It was probably meant to show terrific continuing value and efficiency, which should be praised and rewarded - but the extrapolation by commercial rivals will go in a different direction.

I've taken the liberty of projecting forward what the BBC might see as a third column, and a take which might suit The Daily Mail, and others.  Click to go large.