British Journalism Review

Following the recent series of problems that have assaulted the television industry – including faked phone-ins and the misinformation concerning Annie Leibowitz’s photographic session with the Queen – an uphill task faces practitioners who want to earn renewed trust from the public. There are also issues of governance. The House of Lords Communications Select Committee hit a nail on the head at the beginning of August by pointing out that it is no longer clear who is ultimately responsible for the BBC, or what the role of the chairman of the BBC Trust is. He has regulatory responsibilities towards the Corporation while also being expected to act as its chairman, and the new Charter says that “Chairman of the BBC” is only an honorary title. British television is in a mess and needs quickly to put its house in order if it is ever to regain respect.