Romesh Ranganathan makes passionate defence of BBC in surprise new role: 'Catastrophic!'

Romesh Ranganathan has made a passionate defence of the BBC after fronting a new promotional film titled "What has the BBC ever done for me?" - a mini musical making the case for the corporation's continued existence.

The film debuted on BBC social channels on Sunday and received its first television broadcast during the World Cup Final.

Mr Ranganathan has described the experience of being asked to lead the project as both surprising and deeply flattering.

"It was a no-brainer," he said. "I believe that there's nothing else that does what the BBC does and that we need to make sure it's around for our kids and future generations."

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Despite the musical format, the comedian was reassured he would not be required to sing.

The comedian has spoken openly about how the BBC shaped his career from the very beginning.

As a young person, he did not believe that someone who looked like him could work in comedy professionally, until Goodness Gracious Me appeared on BBC Two and changed his perspective.

His early breaks came through BBC radio, progressing to hosting Newsjack on BBC Radio 4 Extra before landing appearances on Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo.

He went on to present Asian Provocateur and The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan.

"Throughout my career, the BBC has had an avenue for whatever level I've been at," he said.

He also highlighted how the corporation offers career pathways across the creative industries, noting he has watched runners rise through production to eventually lead major programmes.

Mr Ranganathan pointed to the BBC's distinctive ability to foster a sense of collective experience, particularly during difficult periods.

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During the coronavirus lockdowns, he presented his programme The Ranganation from his garage when studio access was impossible, offering viewers a space to share how they were coping.

"When we were in a situation when everybody felt isolated, it gave us a feeling of togetherness," he said.

At home, the comedian said his family gathers around programmes such as The Traitors and The Apprentice.

"It's great when we all sit down together to watch, and that's a really important thing that the BBC does for us all," he added.

Mr Ranganathan argued the BBC's public service remit sets it apart in an era where much of the media landscape is shaped by audience metrics.

"One of the things that makes the BBC unique is that its programming isn't just numbers-driven," he said.

"Because it is the British Broadcasting Corporation, it's driven by that motive to serve the public... It's not just populist, and I think that's really important."

The "What has the BBC ever done for me?" campaign has received a mixed reception from viewers online.

"The British public ditched the BBC years ago," one critic wrote on X.

Another added: "I'd like to know how much licence fee money was spent, trying to grift more licence fee money."

A third described the campaign as "total cringe".

However, one fan of the broadcaster penned: "This is cinema."

Another added: "This is without a doubt the best advert I’ve ever seen."

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