[Swprograms] What does it mean to be a public service international broadcaster?

[Richard Cuff <rdcuff@xxxxxxxxx>]

Some have reported here that in "Write On" last week, the head of
distribution for the BBCWS used the term "business" to characterize
the BBCWS.  Many found fault with the use of that term, given that the
BBCWS has a "public service" charter.

The argument is that different methods of decision making and resource
prioritization should apply to "public" or "public service"
broadcasters than apply to commercial or religious broadcasters.

Some points of differentiation are obvious -- a commercial broadcaster
has ownership interests motivated--at least in part--by profit or cash
generation.  Public broadcasters don't have that requirement, though
they do have accountability to their boards and,  by inference, to
those who contribute to fund-raising efforts, particularly here in the
USA.

How should broadcasters like the BBCWS, RNW and DW make decisions? 
Should their charters be modified to reflect media choices and options
available in 2005?

My own take is that the decision-making time horizon needs to be
longer for public broadcasters -- they should be making programming
and delivery decisions considering a longer time frame, not the most
recent fiscal quarter -- and that public broadcasters should bias
their priorities towards listener groups that are under-served by
commercial radio.  However, public broadcasters still need to be good
stewards of the resources they've been given, and -- unfortunately --
have to be sensitive to political whims when it comes to budgets.

Do you agree?  Disagree?

Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA  USA
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