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Fit for purpose? Narinder Minhas finds much to enjoy in a new collection of essays examining the role of the communications regulator What’s the Point of Ofcom?, edited by John Mair, is published independently, priced £7.99. ISBN: 979-8742003441
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can confirm that, growing up as a kid in south-east London, I never once dreamt about becoming a regulator. You know – running organisations that begin with the letters “Of...”. To be honest, I’m not sure that I know anyone who did. And I’ve certainly not met anyone who had photos of great regulators – if there are any – on their bedroom walls. Me: I just wanted to play for Spurs and open the batting for India. Before you complain, it is possible to feel Indian and British, even English, all at the same time, especially if you weren’t born here. Talking of complaints and not wishing to fuel our bitter culture wars, are we turning into a nation of TV complainers, offended by the slightest remark that doesn’t fit our rigid view of the world? What’s happened to freedom of speech? Curiosity? Tolerance? Take, for example, the case of presenter Jeremy Vine, who received numerous Ofcom complaints for asking whether the lack of diversity at Prince Philip’s funeral was a “problem”. Or Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones, who prompted complaints after she told a Covid-denying pub landlord that he should “stick to pulling pints”. Strangely, the number of complaints is on the increase as audiences for traditional television channels decline. Perhaps it’s a sign of our increasingly divided and tribal society. But how seriously should these complaints be taken, given that many appear to be politically motivated and charged? Who should adjudicate and can they really be objective? More widely, what kind of regulatory system does Britain need? At the heart of this debate is Ofcom, Britain’s broadcasting and communications watchdog. As it approaches its 20th anniversary, it seems right to query its role and remit in our rather polarised society. In a fascinating book of essays, What’s the Point of Ofcom?, those fundamental questions are explored in an unapologetic tone. As John Mair, the editor, writes: “Ofcom is one of the key regulators in 21st-century Britain. It is at the intersection of technology, culture and politics… [but] is it fit for purpose?” This crucial question is given added spice as we build up to the announcement of the new Chair of Ofcom. Who ever is appointed in the coming weeks – some are suggesting it could be Paul Dacre, the former editor of the Daily Mail
