Public service broadcasting is a vital service

Sir, – At a time when our society faces crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, inequality, and democracy, it is incredible to see investment in public service broadcasting and education stall.

Growing a climate of trust within our society will be essential to us finding a way through the polycrisis. Trust proxies such as the media and educators are essential to establishing such trust. Research shows that these proxies are all the more trustworthy when they work for the public good (and not for profit).

Now is the time to invest in public institutions that work to build trust within society around how we respond to the crises (and opportunities) that face us. Yes, their governance must be to the highest standards. If we think funding public service broadcasting and education are expensive, we might for a moment consider the cost of not funding them. – Yours, etc,

Prof SHANE BERGIN,