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Surnommée Auntie, la BBC est une institution centenaire qui touche 91 % de la population britannique. À l’heure où la notion d’audiovisuel public pose question, elle subit son lot de coupes budgétaires et de réductions d’effectifs. Désargentée et régulièrement remise en cause, c’est pourtant un modèle d’excellence et de créativité. Étonnant paradoxe qui tient à plusieurs éléments : son histoire, son rapport à l’audience, ou encore une culture de la prise de risques, du perfectionnement et d’une certaine acception du service public…

The fact that it is sometimes referred to by its nickname ‘Auntie’ shows the extent to which the BBC has become an institution in the United Kingdom: 91 % of the British population has access to it. It is an old institution which is preparing to celebrate its centenary. At a time when the concept of state-owned broadcasting is being questioned, it has had its own share of budget cutbacks and staff reductions. It is an old, penniless institution which is regularly called into question. Yet, the BBC is recognised throughout the world as a model of excellence and creativity, covering a very large spectrum ranging from promoting musical talent to the production of critically acclaimed wildlife documentaries. It also shows a programme about cars which has served as a gold standard for forty years, and has successfully managed the shift towards modern TV series. The BBC is a surprising paradox which cares about several factors. These include its history (which has kept the BBC strong in spite of criticism); the relationship it has built with its audience; and its tendency to take risks, for continuous improvement and for the provision of a public service.