National security. It's not the most important reason to keep a publicly-funded free-to-all service of tv and radio broadcasting alive, but I'm surprised that in the current debate about the future funding of the BBC, no-one seems to be raising it.
In conflicts of the last one hundred years, foes recognised the importance of controlling communications, and have developed skills and techniques from jamming transmitters to disabling communications on social media, alongside traditional weapons of war. Keeping those lines of communication open is equally important. Whilst the Treasury loves a good bandwidth sell-off, there are others who recognise that maintaining a system of transmitters, working effectively and reaching the vast bulk of the population on a daily and hourly basis is a cornerstone of a healthy society, that can look after itself in times of trouble. To keeps those lines of communication open and free from sclerosis, they need to be kept moving with, yes, trusted news, and yes, education and information, but equally, entertainment that resonates and attracts ears and eyes on a daily and hourly basis.
Otherwise, within less than a decade, UK households will only possess a/v equipment for services adored by this Government - commercially-streamed tv and radio. DTT-capable equipment, DAB/FM radios will be unloved items at car boot sales.
You can't guarantee UK-wide communication through Netflix and its fellow global streamers. It's difficult to imagine Facebook, Tik Tok and Twitter as the main vehicle for synchronised messages from Downing Street, Party Election Broadcasts and the like. It's not the only reason to think twice before breaking the legs of the BBC, but you'd think a Conservative might occasionally mention it to Nadine.
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