Sir John Reith was the first Director General of the BBC, and he had particularly strong views on broadcasting as

... Sir John Reith was the first Director General of the BBC, and he had particularly strong views on broadcasting as having a cultural and moral responsibility as a means of educating and informing the masses. He once famously stated - 'It is occasionally indicated to us that we are apparently setting out to give the public what we think they need- and not what they want - but few know what they want and very few what they need. In any case it is better to overestimate the mentality of the public than to underestimate it. He who prides himself on giving what he thinks the public wants is often creating a fictitious demand for lower standards which he himself will then satisfy' (1924) This statement is one which has caused much controversy throughout the years that Reith headed the BBC, and this essay will attempt to discuss

want to read more? →