Now for a slimmer, more distinctive BBC

[Commentary] The BBC has been enjoying Rupert Murdoch’s troubles. In the humbling of News Corp, it has cheered the despatch of an implacable enemy. Britain’s public broadcaster should be careful about gloating. It has business of its own to attend to, starting with the rediscovery of its public service mission. Like everyone else in the public realm, the BBC must come to terms with straitened times. A cash freeze in the licence fee implies a cut of 20 per cent in its budget by 2015. The corporation should not expect sympathy. To the contrary, it should see an opportunity in austerity.