Hardline BBC critics offered major roles in the media Media

Boris Johnson is reported to have offered jobs at the helm of two of Britain’s leading media organizations to two outspoken critics of the BBC.

Paul Dacre, former editor of the Daily Mail, has been asked to head the national broadcasting regulator Ofcom, while Lord Moore, former editor of the Daily Telegraph and biographer of Margaret Thatcher, is believed to be considering accepting the post of president. from the BBC.

The provocative election of two harsh voices against the BBC has sparked anger and consternation in the broadcasting and entertainment industry. Speaking to the Observer on Saturday night, Labor partner Andrew Adonis summed up the response of many to the news. “If true, Cummings operates directly from Trump’s handbook with the intention of undermining our democratic institutions.”

The former government minister continued: “They would be really shameful appointments. Neither Paul Dacre of Ofcom nor Charles Moore of the BBC would believe in the mission of the institution they run. Dacre clearly does not believe in impartial and legal regulated media and Moore does not believe in public service broadcasting, as evidenced by his refusal to pay the license fee. “

But the reactions on Saturday night weren’t all predictable. Even iconoclast Jeremy Clarkson, who doesn’t normally side with offended liberal reaction, has spoken of his surprise at the news. “I’d rather drive my lambo off a cliff than see Charles Moore as president,” he said. “The BBC will go up in flames like one of my caravans.”

“Coffin. Nail. UK” was the simple comment on Twitter Saturday night from movie star Hugh Grant, who has campaigned for regulation of the press.

Former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger has also suggested that the fabric of British society is under attack. “Paul Dacre to direct Ofcom, Charles Moore to direct the BBC. Because Boris loves them. No process. It is not a joke. This is what an oligarchy looks like. “

Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former doctor, tweeted more in pain than anger. “In a week in which a really great editor like Harry Evans dies, only Boris Johnson could resurrect Paul Dacre. Even the Post realized that Dacre should spend more time with his various properties, less time poisoning the public debate. “

Tim Farron, the Lib Democrat MP, said the potential appointments were a desperate attempt by No. 10 to “end the other side of the culture war.” He added: “We have to assume they mean it. If they mean it, they are not Democrats. These are people who are in power and determined not to be held accountable. It’s almost a laughable move.

“They both have views that confirm the views of the people in power. The goal of democracy is checks and balances. Regulators who are there to hold our media to account, as well as our broadcaster, should not fear or favor those in power. Anyone who thinks he is remotely a Democrat, whoever he voted for, has to think he’s taking the mickey here. “

A veteran British broadcaster noted that Moore has not only refused to buy a television license, but has boasted in the past that he does not watch television. “He is a journalist without knowledge of the management of any institution and with no interest in broadcasting.”

A long-term BBC manager told the Observer that the appointments of two right-wing Brexiters, should they go ahead, showed a lack of faith in the industry and would eventually lead to commercialization and the end of entertainment shows. and local talents.

The Sunday Times says Dacre, a hateful figure on the left but a defender of press freedom, is in talks about the role at Ofcom and was approached by the prime minister in February, before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. . He is believed to be trying to determine how much freedom he would have to crack down on the alleged bias of the BBC and strip the corporation of its primary public service role.

Moore is said to be on the verge of signing up for the job at the BBC, although he will have to weather a looming storm over the fact that the job was not properly publicized. If he takes the chairman’s seat, he will clear the way for the decriminalization of non-payment of the BBC’s license fee, something that would affect the BBC’s revenue by around £ 200 million a year.

A government spokesman said the application process for the new BBC president will start shortly, adding: “It is an open recruitment process and all public appointments are subject to robust and fair selection criteria.”

Jean Seaton, an official BBC historian, said Moore’s appointment might have been self-defending. A skeptical journalist and veteran of the BBC could be someone’s preferred candidate. “But it is the idea of the two together that would be a disaster and cannot be defended,” she said.

Downing Street sources have so far tried to defuse the looming dispute by praising the new CEO, Tim Davie, and emphasizing the government’s support for public service broadcasting.