John Shield: How to Stop the BBC Being Monstered

John Shield: How to Stop the BBC Being Monstered

From Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch by Good Egg Productions

June 3, 2026 · 29 min · Season 12 · Episode 7

About this episode

John Shield discusses the BBC's communication strategies and challenges in the current media landscape.

Former BBC Director of Communications (2013–2025) John Shield explains why he believes the BBC should be ready to go on GB News and other hostile platforms to make its case. He also discusses the Panorama edit, the BBC’s wider communications challenges, and his advice to incoming Director General Matt Brittin on visibility, handling criticism, engaging in public debate, and the future of public service broadcasting and its funding model. To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership @beebwatch.bsky.social @BeebRoger Instagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatch LinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch email: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Roger Bolton

Guest: John Shield

Topics covered

  • BBC
  • media communications
  • public service broadcasting
  • criticism handling
  • visibility
  • funding model

Keywords

  • BBC
  • John Shield
  • media
  • public service
  • communications
  • criticism
  • funding

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC, GB News

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