DAN MACKAY: Culture comes in many guises... even on YouTube
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The Real Mackay by Dan Mackay
If Culture Secretary (at the time of writing, at least) Nadine Dorries has her way, the BBC TV licence will become a thing of the past and alternative funding streams will need to be secured to fill the £3.5 billion shortfall.
Critics of the Tory minister, some from within her own ranks – Lord Patten has suggested the words ‘Nadine Dorries’ and ‘culture’ should not appear in the same sentence – are concerned that the Beeb’s global reputation for impartiality could become compromised.
Dorries has similarly laid out plans to ensure that the commercially successful Channel 4, currently in public ownership, should be privatised. This has similarly fuelled concerns about the neutrality of its future broadcasting.
Launched in 1982 with a public service remit to champion unheard voices, stand up for diversity and innovate creativity through bold risk-taking, Channel 4 is no stranger to controversy – some of which has been critical of our dearly beloved parliamentarians.
This said, there might not be many who would bemoan the loss of the annual £159 licence fee. But it’s what follows next that could make the real difference.
Certainly, the way we access our viewing has continued to change in recent years and not least in number of the devices we use to watch our favourite programmes. We can also subscribe to a wide range of streaming services – Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky, Disney Plus, you name it.
Personally, I find myself watching more and more YouTube channels, especially the ones by amateurs who are opting out of conventional lifestyles in preference for alternative ways of living.
In the United States hundreds of thousands of people having lost jobs, their homes and welfare supports have taken to van life. It is a harsh reality but for some it is a more positive option. The call of the open roads, getting closer to nature, or simply travelling is the appeal.
And a few of the successful nomads, as they are called, can attract many thousands of subscribers – and with this a steady income as YouTube will advertise on the most popular channels. The higher your viewing ratings the greater your income! I’ve enjoyed following Regretlyss and Ride and Seek. Check out the impressive van conversions and vlogs on YouTube. I feel inspired.
My favourite YouTube vloggers include Itchy Boots, an amazing Dutch woman called Noraly Schoenmaker, who has been riding her motorbike solo these last three years as she explored Europe, Asia and Africa. She is currently making her way from Argentina to Alaska. Three times a week she posts 20 minutes updates as she crosses wild mountainous terrain. It’s a real multi-cultural eye opener!
Equally Wind Hippie Sailing, aka Holly Martin, shares her posts about once a fortnight as she solo navigates her 27 foot sloop, Gecko, around the French Polynesian islands and other Pacific atolls. These are inspirational women who seem undaunted, self-empowered and clearly have the wanderlust in spadefuls!
Mariner Barry Perrins, aka Adventures of an Old Sea Dog, made it to New Zealand aboard ‘White Shadow’ just as the Covid pandemic closed the country down to the rest of the world. Barry, a natural raconteur, is an irrepressible guy who keeps us well entertained.
These amateur vloggers have become semi-professional film makers. Just don’t tell Nadine Dorries in case she pulls the plug on our great broadcasting institutions and tells them all to take a hike!
