The journalistic standards of public service television means that Euro-myths are largely absent. But laudable news values are not enough. Following intense demands from commercial channels, the popular News at Ten was rescheduled. On a wider level, this is a symptom of the way that increasing commercialisation has diminished broadcasters willingness to educate and inform viewers. If this mandate is being sidestepped, the government has it within its power to ensure that this trend is reversed.
Government needs to address British cultural insularity urgently.
We must ensure that children s channels and schedules include programmes with European content, and we need to pay more attention to the European dimension in all areas of the school curriculum. But we cannot just blame the media. It is time for the government to stoke up the debate. Cabinet members have enormous power to set the political agenda and serious coverage will happen when politicians seriously engage in the arguments. We must not fear a dialogue.