"I strongly believe that the BBC should exist."
Romesh Ranganathan has defended the BBC, saying losing the broadcaster would be “catastrophic” despite acknowledging it is “not without its flaws”.
The comedian led a new BBC campaign designed to highlight the broadcaster’s value as it prepares for charter renewal discussions.
The campaign centres on the question: “What has the BBC ever done for me?” and features a three-minute film with Romesh joined by nearly 100 well-known personalities.
According to the BBC, the campaign aims to demonstrate the “priceless and unique role” the corporation plays across the UK as discussions begin over its future charter.
In a statement released by the BBC, Romesh explained why supporting the campaign was an easy decision.
He said: “I strongly believe that the BBC should exist.
“It’s not without its flaws and there have definitely been times and issues where I wished it could have dealt with things differently but it adds so much to our lives and I’m really proud of it.
“I believe that there’s nothing else that does what the BBC does and that we need to make sure it’s around for our kids and future generations.”
The short film takes viewers through some of the BBC’s best-known programmes, sets and studios, alongside familiar faces including Louis Theroux and Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke.
Reflecting on the experience, Romesh Ranganathan said “making the film was surreal” as he was “surrounded by lots of famous faces, TV and radio stars and iconic characters”.
He added: “And it was a validating experience because I was in the company of so many people who feel the same way that I do about the BBC.”
The comedian also reflected on how BBC programming influenced his own ambitions.
He said: “Growing up, I didn’t think people who looked like me could do comedy as a job.
“I was always a massive comedy fan and even as a kid I was performing stand-up routines for any audience I could get.”
Romesh credited the BBC sketch series Goodness Gracious Me with changing that perception.
He explained: “But when Goodness Gracious Me started on BBC Two, it showed me that it was possible.”
Highlighting the broadcaster’s role in helping launch his career, Romesh said:
“Every comedian needs breaks at the beginning of their career and mine came on the BBC.
“I started doing comedy on radio, then hosted Newsjack on BBC Radio 4 Extra, then I was getting booked for Mock The Week, then I did Live At The Apollo and I ended up hosting Asian Provocateur and The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan and I’ve gone on to host other things.
“Throughout my career, the BBC has had an avenue for whatever level I’ve been at.”
Romesh Ranganathan also argued that the BBC continues to bring audiences together during major national moments.
Citing the Covid-19 lockdowns, he said:
“That’s just one example of what the BBC can do really, really well.
“When we were in a situation when everybody felt isolated, it gave us a feeling of togetherness.
“And the BBC is still where people want to go for big events like a royal wedding or a World Cup.”
The Weakest Link presenter also praised the corporation’s children’s services, saying the BBC “has to be willing to be incredibly responsive and nimble in terms of identifying what young people need and want”.
Addressing wider debates around the broadcaster, Romesh Ranganathan said:
“We’ve all heard discourse about the BBC and people speaking for and against it and it’s become a hot topic.”
“But in a world where we’re increasingly fed a diet of things to drive numbers, one of the things that makes the BBC unique is that its programming isn’t just numbers-driven.
“Obviously, there are certain shows on the BBC that are huge but it offers content and services across the board, including special interest, mainstream things and such a wide variety for all sections of society.
“And because it is the British Broadcasting Corporation, it’s driven by that motive to serve the public.
“It’s not just populist and I think that’s really important.
“Making the film was an amazing experience and I couldn’t help but feel honoured to be asked to front it.
“I hope it gets over the message that whatever you’re into, the BBC provides something for you. And I think to lose that would be catastrophic.”
Watch ‘What has the BBC ever done for me?’
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