Harry Potter stars come together to support BBC

Jul 15, 2015

Posted by: Catherine

J.K. Rowling, Lewis, News

J.K. Rowling and Matthew Lewis are a part of a list of celebrities that have spoken out about their support for the BBC. The BBC is under threats of funding slashes and budget cuts. The news sources also faces political pressure to be “curbed,” or kept in check.

J.K. Rowling was one of many to sign a letter to the Prime Minister and the UK parliament, saying that changing the BBC would diminish it, and “a diminished BBC would simply mean a diminished Britain.” US News reports through the Associated Press:

“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling and naturalist David Attenborough also signed Wednesday’s letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, calling the BBC “a creative force for good” and “the envy of the world.”

The BBC runs multiple commercial-free TV and radio stations and websites, funded largely through a 145 pound ($227) annual fee paid by TV-owning households.

It faces a cash squeeze after agreeing to pay for free TV licenses for people over 75, and the fee’s future is in doubt as more people watch programs on computers, tablets and phones.

The BBC also faces renegotiating the terms of its governing charter with what some consider a hostile government.

Some in Cameron’s Conservative Party think the BBC should focus on “public service” broadcasting and stop making big-budget entertainment shows such as singing contest “The Voice” and car program “Top Gear.”

The broadcaster is regularly accused of political bias — by both left and right — and is criticized by commercial rivals for its size and secure funding.

To read the full article, please visit US News.

Using her favorite social media venue, J.K. Rowling has continued her outspokenness through Twitter. She and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) have tweeted and retweeted using the hashtag #BacktheBBC.

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The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.