National newspaper leader writers and commentators are divided on the future of the BBC, as set out by yesterday's white paper. While much of the BBC's output was recognised as a valuable contribution to the country's cultural life, questions remained over accountability, governance and particularly funding.
The Guardian believes the question that should be asked is not how we can shackle the BBC, but how we can help it build on its very impressive global success.
The Independent said accountability is the key and that the BBC Trust must establish itself as the voice of the licence-fee payer "loudly and "clearly".
In the Daily Telegraph Anthony Smith, a former C4 board member and recently retired as president of Magdalen, Oxford, argued that the "BBC must do better, not more".
The Financial Times is incredulous that the BBC remainsfunded by the licence fee: "This is almost as unbelievable as time travel. The idea that Britain's biggest broadcaster should be guaranteed an income from the licence fee - a tax on every house with a TV - is unsustainable. It spells dire consequences for the Beeb's competitors that rely on cyclical advertising or sales - such as broadcasters, websites and publishers."
The Times believes the white paper has "let the country down".
