Public service broadcasting is at the heart of this issue. However, the actual range of programmes set out in section 2 of the Bill is a good deal narrower than would be covered by any normal description of public service broadcasting. In particular, there is a specific exclusion of programmes relating to news and current affairs in section (2)(2)(d). I have no problem in excluding news, but I question the wisdom of excluding current affairs from the scheme's remit. One of the major merits of public service broadcasting lies in programmes of an investigative nature. These are the programmes that tend not to be made because doing so properly is inherently expensive. The long-term, in-depth research needed for investigative documentaries is precisely the activity that tends to be squeezed out of the agenda of commercial broadcasters. However, from a national point of view, such programmes are extremely valuable to the point that they are a necessary part of democracy.