Do we need the BBC? The world’s oldest and biggest public broadcaster is facing an existential threat. Some are calling it a comeuppance — others, a smear campaign.
‘Meltdown’ at Britain’s top broadcaster
Bad press: The saga at the BBC has dominated newspaper front pages in Britain this week. Glossary
BBC - The British Broadcasting Corporation is the UK's national broadcaster.
Left-wing - A range of beliefs that are the opposite of right-wing ideas. People on the political left usually believe in collective responsibility and the good of society. They often, though not always, support higher taxes and a more active, interventionist government.
Panorama - A current affairs documentary news programme which was first broadcast on the BBC in 1953.
Austere - Minimal, bare or unadorned. The word often comes with a connotation of seriousness, perhaps excessive seriousness.
Satirical - Intended to ridicule shortcomings in society. It was once mistakenly thought to derive from the ancient Greek "satyr" plays about creatures that were half-man, half-goat.
Right-wing - Sometimes referred to as 'conservative', this is a range of political beliefs that emphasise the value of tradition, individual freedom and responsibility, low taxes and a hands-off approach to government.
Lament - Show passionate sadness.
Polarised - Separated in their views by a great distance, as the North and South Poles are separated geographically.
Robbie Gibb - A former BBC journalist who left the broadcaster to become Director of Communications in 10 Downing Street in 2017, before returning to sit on its board.
TV licence - In the UK, households must pay £174.50 for an annual TV license to watch live programmes on a TV, computer or other device, or to watch BBC iPlayer.