The Government shouldn't meddle with BBC programming

If they do they'll give the impression that they want the BBC in its current form to die a death by a thousand cuts

There are reports that due to a potential government edict there'll be no more Strictly Come Dancing versus X Factor on Saturday night (BBC)

No more Strictly Come Dancing versus X Factor on Saturday night – by government edict. That, at least, was the suggestion in yesterday’s (Sun) newspapers as they previewed this month’s White Paper on the BBC. The reports said that ITV might be able to protest to the regulator about aggressive scheduling by the BBC, which could face guidelines on the issue when its Royal Charter is renewed.

His department insisted that John Whittingdale, the Culture Secretary, has no intention of dictating programme content or scheduling. But there is normally no smoke without fire and it seems that some senior Conservatives want to limit the BBC’s ability to compete with its rivals. The public consultation about the BBC’s future showed that the public value its independence. Ministers should respect that cherished principle rather than undermine it.

The Government will already force the BBC to fund the £750m cost of free TV licences for over-75s – a benefit that should continue to be met from the welfare budget. If it starts to meddle in programming, even through a mixture of public pressure and “guidelines,” then the impression will be given that Conservative ministers want the BBC in its current form to die a death by a thousand cuts.