BBC

Thankfully the recent decision by the PM to remove Culture Secretary, John Whittingdale, for his indiscretions with a sex worker may have safeguarded the BBC from the government's desire to penalise and control its independence. It is notable that the Murdoch press and others had unusually suppressed the stories of the scandal. The Murdoch press were not willing to sacrifice their tame minister who had responsibility for press regulation swell as the BBC. 

Our worst fears of government interference in the running if the BBC were highlighted by the luvvies at the recent BAFTA television awards and they will no doubt claim some credit for the climb down. More important were the opinion polls that showed massive support for the BBC and the respect the organisation has across the world.

Now maybe the beeb will get back to objective independent broadcasting. Their performance in recent months leading up to the charter review, including the recent election coverage, has been woeful. They could start by removing Laura Kuensberg who is a liability compared with her two predecessors: Andrew Marr and Nick Robinson. She is a mediocre journalist compared to outstanding colleagues like Mishal Husain, Katya Adler and Lyse Doucet who have genuine knowledge that they impart without claiming insider knowledge, using three adjectives where one would do or trying to tantalise us with rumours.

Channel 4 news has become to go to news programme to avoid the aforesaid Laura and the tendency of too many BBC journalists to give equal weight to both sides of an issue even when the evidence points clearly in one direction. Channel 4 news has journalists who know their stuff and are not afraid to express an opinion.

Hopefully Rupert Murdoch and his gang of robbers can return to their cave.