Poging GOUD - Vrij

Protect the BBC

The Observer

|

August 24, 2025

The broadcaster is a bulwark against the erosion of truth and deserves real independence

In the US this month the Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced that it was closing down because of government cuts, with the loss of half a billion dollars a year for local public service broadcasters across America.

In the UK this weekend anti-immigration protests have been planned in at least a dozen cities, cheered on by a party - Reform UK - that would scrap the BBC licence fee if it came to power.

Reform and the Trump administration believe public service broadcasters are institutionally biased against the right. They aren’t perfect, but with good leadership these broadcasters can serve as a vital defence against abuse of power by government, against self-serving commercial control of the media and against the flood tide of online misinformation and conspiracism now being turbocharged by AI. BBC News in particular has an unmatched international reputation for serious public interest reporting. But its funding is at risk and its independence is not a given. It must be put beyond the reach of politics and politicians.

MEER VERHALEN VAN The Observer

The Observer

The Observer

Government accused of 'downplaying' data leak risk to Afghans who aided UK forces

A new report offers a stark contrast to the official review about the deadly effects of the information breach

time to read

4 mins

November 02, 2025

The Observer

The Observer

After the hurricane: will the human cost finally push Cop30 into action on climate crisis?

As politicians head to Brazil, Melissa offers a stark reminder of the consequences of failure to act. Climate editor

time to read

7 mins

November 02, 2025

The Observer

Why debt strategy is taking centre stage in Reeves's 'aggressive' plans

The bond markets, buyers and no less importantly - sellers of government bonds, hang like spectres over this year's budget.

time to read

4 mins

November 02, 2025

The Observer

The Observer

Open, ended: Allen lifts lid on the sexual chaos of non-monogamy

Singer's skewering of her actor husband has us hooked and asking: what the hell is happening in modern marriage and dating?

time to read

5 mins

November 02, 2025

The Observer

We're working to root out medical misogyny and ensure mothers' voices are heard

Medical misogyny has cast a long shadow over maternity care in this country. The conversations I've had with harmed and bereaved families have been profoundly shocking.

time to read

1 mins

November 02, 2025

The Observer

The Observer

Rio favelas mourn as deadliest police raid exposes deep divisions

Last week's operation, which left at least 121 people dead, has led to calls for the governor to go, but also demands for a tougher approach from President Lula

time to read

4 mins

November 02, 2025

The Observer

The gloves are off: Mary Earps hits out at England coach and fellow goalie

In a revealing new memoir, the Lionesses' former keeper criticises Sabrina Wiegman and exposes resentments in the squad, writes Jessy Parker Humphries

time to read

3 mins

November 02, 2025

The Observer

The Observer

Clinical negligence costs NHS almost the same as it spends on maternity care

Defensiveness and a hierarchical environment lead to cover-ups, says ombudsman

time to read

5 mins

November 02, 2025

The Observer

The Observer

Save us from ‘Shrekking’ - we have plenty of dating horrors already

In an ideal world, the young find their own way - but sometimes you have to intervene.

time to read

2 mins

November 02, 2025

The Observer

The Observer

Musk won't stop. It's time the government gave up on X for good

The platform has become a swamp of disinformation. Politicians should lead the way out, says Will Jennings

time to read

3 mins

November 02, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size