The BBC and Public Value

Gavyn Davies argues, from an economic standpoint whilst avoiding the usual social and cultural terms, that the BBC should be retained in its standard form after its Charter renewal of 2006 despite changes in the broadcasting market brought about by digital technology. He says that the BBC remains a ‘public good’ and that the free market, left to its own devices, would result in a serious under-provision of quality public service broadcasting. David Lipsey provides commentary, challenging Mr Davies’ arguments on key points.