Civic Futures Forum – Radio Policy, Plurality and the Future of Independent Media
The UK is entering a significant period of review for broadcast radio policy. Ofcom is consulting on its future approach to broadcast licensing. DCMS has […]
Articles by Rob Watson
A Welcome Review of Radio – Now Broaden the Conversation
The Government’s announcement that it will review the future of radio is timely and necessary. Radio remains one of the most trusted and widely used […]
Beyond Protectionism – What the Bolton–Riley Conversation Reveals About the Future of Radio
The recent conversation between Roger Bolton and Phil Riley on Beeb Watch was a welcome and timely contribution to a debate that has been oddly […]
The BBC’s Portrayal and Representation Review – Why the “Model” Matters as Much as the Metrics
The BBC’s independent thematic review of portrayal and representation is not simply a debate about fairness in casting, or whether particular audiences feel “seen”. It […]
Shifting Accountability – Our BBC as Civic Infrastructure
From the standpoint of an advocate for a decentralised civic society model rooted in independent, federated organisations, the new Demos report Our BBC (Padania et […]
From Price Controls To Media Controls – What Does The BBC Charter Renewal Really Protect?
In much of Eastern Europe during the 1970s and 1980s, governments attempted to make daily life affordable by setting prices for essentials. The stated intention […]
Common Ground, Foundational Media, and the Future of Social Cohesion
Social cohesion is often discussed as though it is something that happens after the “real” work of public services is done. Housing, health, education, policing, […]
Frequently Asked Questions – BBC Charter Renewal and the Future of Public-Purpose Media
Better Media and Decentered Media are collecting views about BBC Charter Renewal. Here are our Frequently Asked Questions. Complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/URnPgckbYbFPkPFQ8 What is […]
BBC Charter Renewal Green Paper – Views Sought
The Government has published a Green Paper setting out initial proposals for the renewal of the BBC’s Royal Charter. This is a significant moment for […]
When Orthodoxies Fail – Rebuilding Trust in News
Much of the public discussions about the decline of trust in mainstream news focuses on polarisation, misinformation, or changing audience behaviour. The recent Triggernometry podcast […]
Leicester Community Media Spring Events
I’m excited to share a set of community-focused activities taking place across Leicester in spring 2026 that may be of interest to volunteers and organisations […]
Digital Radio Policy – Leaving No One Behind
Decentered Media is publishing a new briefing paper examining the outcomes of the Small-Scale DAB programme and its implications for local and independent broadcasting. This […]
Decentered Media Podcast – Foundational Media and the Problem of Polarisation
Podcast: Play in new window
https://decentered.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Decentered-Media-Podcast-009-2025-12-29-Mixdown.mp3Podcast: Play in new windowIn this episode of the Decentered Media Podcast, I am joined by Shumaila Jaffery, a journalist and doctoral researcher whose work […]
BBC Ratings Decline – Problems for Strategy or Sign of the Wrong Metric?
This article argues that Christmas TV ratings cannot be used as a definitive measure of the BBC’s success or failure. Reflecting on the contrast between […]
Between Reflection and Renewal – Christmas and New Year Thoughts on Civic Media and the Year Ahead
As the year draws to a close, we want to offer our thanks to everyone who has read, listened, challenged, supported, or quietly reflected alongside […]