Future of news and current affairs: BBC, Fox or third way?

About this event

This seminar examined whether impartiality rules can survive in a multi-channel world in which TV and the web are converging.

The focus of the discussion was onwhether the BBC-led model of impartiality can still work, whether the alternative is the FOX / MSNBC way or whether non-publicly funded broadcasters should have freedoms the BBC doesn't have.

Mark Thompson started the debate with a short speech. The panel responded with their views, followed by an audience discussion.

The respondents

• Dorothy Byrne - Channel 4's head of news and current affairs
• Kelvin Mackenzie - former Sun editor and commentator
• Raymond Snoddy - broadcaster and media commentator

More information

• Listen to a podcast of this event (1hr:54s)

Reaction

• The Guardian: Mark Thompson: Britain needs a channel like Fox News
• Daily Mail: Our coverage on immigration and Europe was weak, admits BBC Director General
• The Telegraph: Television news should no longer be impartial, Sir David Attenborough says
• Digital Spy: Attenborough 'backs biased TV news'
• The Guardian: BBC boss Mark Thompson backs a Fox News for Britain
• Big Think blog: BBC Chief Advocates UK Version Of Fox TV!