So, another day, another attack on our publicly funded, unique broadcasting institution, the BBC.

And unsurprisingly it has come from one of the Murdochs (rather than the owners of the Express, GMG or any other commercial media institution.)

This time time the claim is that the BBC is too dominant and threatening the independence of journalism in the UK.

Does he have a point? Maybe.

Will I take him seriously? Nope. And here's why.

With he exception of their "The Times" which they insist has a board to keep the content independent and "The Independent" which is about to go bust, there is no independent media outlet in the UK. They almost ALL have political affiliations.

A quick read of the the Telegraph, Express and Mail will give you a blue perspective.

The Mirror and Guardian gives you a socialist perspective.

The Sun swings whichever way the elder Murdoch feels (something he has pointed out on several occasions with, "great relish" to quote Murdoch the Younger.)

And, as I said, The Independent is a little too much in the red to consider giving it a long term future. Now would this be down to their journalistic quality or the fact that without a known backer they simply cannot hope to have the circulation? This then questions what future the "Independence of Journalism" has if a staunchly independent publication is on the ropes?

As many independent politicians (the ones who don't sign up to a party's principles and tow a line for anyone other than their constituents) will tell you, independence is an expensive game with little to gain and plenty to lose. So, this then brings us straight back to the BBC.

Funded by most sections of society, forbidden from holding a political view, controlled by a Trust who have to ensure independence.

Are they perfect? Nope, just like anything/anyone else there is a human element that can result in cock ups, although some media outlets are keen to focus on others mistakes to take the heat off their own, which has lead some circles to question whether the BBC has become an easy target by its rivals.

So, is the BBC a threat to the independence of journalism?

No, quite the opposite in fact. As long as there is an institution like the BBC around it will continue to keep the commercial operators in check and help keep a sense of perspective in our current affairs.

It could do a hell of a lot more to help its cause (by that I'm talking about the sort of system that the production team of "World in Action" had back in the day.)

But for now, the BBC is actually keeping the independence of journalism alive in the face of like Murdoch.