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Sometime this week, we'll get the latest cascade of criticism from the Mail, Telegraph and Sun on their perceptions of profligacy at the BBC. The Annual Report, coming a week early this year, will demonstrate yet more increases in value for money for licence-fee payers. Yet we're heading for an existential crisis for the Corporation, with both future Prime Ministers unwilling to re-visit the question of free licences for all over-75s.

Just a reminder: the petition on the Parliament website, "Continue to fund free TV licences for the over 75 in the future" (without saying where the money should come from) attracted 171,980 signatures and an official Government response: "The Government is clear that the future of the over 75 licence fee concession is the responsibility of the BBC from June 2020". The matter is set for debate in the Commons on 15th July.

The Age UK-led petition is clearer: "The BBC has announced they plan to means test TV licences for the over 75s. That means they'll only be free for people receiving Pension Credit. We believe this change will harm millions of older people who rely on their TV. Together, we must demand the Government takes back responsibility for funding free TV licences". As of this morning, that petition has 590,466 signatures.