There are many opportunities these days for journalists to carve out a following as traditional news outlets face a myriad of challenges. 

Davie’s authority has been undermined by his handling of Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set and the refusal to pick up a new documentary on Gaza. But it’s the accumulation of controversies that could be his ultimate undoing.

As Reform rises in the polls and GB News becomes a legitimate competitor to news broadcasters, UK media must not repeat the same mistakes as the Americans.

It’s harder to argue against the Centre for Media Monitoring report, which says the BBC is “constructing a moral universe where Israeli suffering is inherently more tragic”.

The Beeb is facing accusations that it is altering content to win over Reform voters. At a time when there was never a greater need for proper journalism, the BBC cannot make another serious misjudgement. 

If Reform is claiming, as it is, to be a party capable of governing this country, then the media must subject it to the same kind of scrutiny applied to Labour or the Conservatives.

From The Guardian’s positive results to the sale of the Telegraph and National World, UK media brands still make sound business sense and can attract significant investment.

Closing down DCMS could bring savings as its various functions are moved to other departments, but is it worth losing a dedicated voice for media and other creative industries at the cabinet table?

Apart from being a bulwark against fake news and lies, the BBC World Service is a valuable arm of British culture and influence around the world. Cutting funding will bring irreparable damage. 

News outlets must properly interrogate Farage and Reform on how effectively they run things, not report uncritically on the social division they stir.