Thinking ahead

Among many elements of the future media landscape that Nadine Dorries hasn't thought through are the consequences of a reliance on internet provision.  She isn't entirely to blame; her thinking follows that of an equally-bright predecessor as Culture Secretary, John Whittingdale.  He argued that you couldn't shift the BBC to a subscription service until every household/voter has access and could choose whether or not to pay for the BBC's offer. 

Of course, when and if we have such access, there's no reason for ITV to pay for expensive transmitters, or to observe strictures on its content made by Ofcom. Why bother with expensive news, national and regional ?  The same would apply to what's left of Channel 4. The precedent is clear - Ofcom has let most commercial music stations retreat at speed from both news and regionalism, in face of arguments that they can't make money competing with streamers. 

Whittingdale and Dorries regard Sky Arts, Classic FM and Kerrang! as high culture. Children should be enthused about sport through tv screens emblazoned with ads for betting, beer and Gazprom; they can save up to watch the Olympics. Young adults can frame their emerging world views through a constant diet of Family Guy and  Squid Game. Political debate is provided by Michael Portillo 'talking pints' with Nigel Farage, Russia Today and TalkRadio; why bother with Today, Question Time and Any Questions ?  Regional news can come through local tv and local democracy reporters, supported by the licence fee. 

And what if our politicians wish to communicate with the people in times of crisis ? Try framing legislation that commits every tv streaming service aimed at the UK to carry a simultaneous message from Downing Street.