The “fight is on” for the future of British programming at the BBC, the corporation’s new chair is expected to say in his first big speech.
Samir Shah will characterise public service broadcasting as a “very British success story” and will say that ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 face similar challenges.
The Indian-born TV and radio executive, who has worked in broadcasting for more than 40 years, will speak to a gathering of industry figures and decision makers at Leeds Conservatoire on Tuesday.
“Action is needed now to future-proof public service broadcasters, otherwise our very British success story will be part of our halcyon past,” he will say.
“No other country has anything like this. Public service broadcasters lie at the heart of our social and cultural life, and they are worth fighting for. And, to be frank, the fight is on.”
The 72-year-old will launch a passionate defence of the industry amid the rise of digital streaming, celebrating the economic, social and cultural benefits of the sector.
Shah is also expected to suggest three key steps to the government and Ofcom to protect public service broadcasters (PSBs).
These will be outlined as an overhaul of the regulatory regime to allow “greater agility, flexibility, and pace” so PSBs can reinvent themselves for the future, a call for streaming companies such as Netflix to invest in British creative industries, and a call to enforce the Media Act.
The Media Act was passed earlier this year and Shah wants the government to use it to ensure homegrown broadcasters are prioritised in the digital age.
He will add: “British public service broadcasters have, over the years, created something quite wonderful.
“We should work together as a sector to future-proof this precious asset and put it at the heart of the growth strategy that is key to the future prosperity of this country.
“So I will work with my fellow public service broadcasters to press our legislators and regulators to take action on these fronts. To invert the cliche, let us act fast, so that we don’t repent at leisure.”
