Birtism

English

Etymology

Birt +‎ -ism

Proper noun

Birtism

1. The broadcasting policies or approach associated with John Birt (born 1944), Director-General of the BBC from 1992 to 2000, such as restructuring for efficiency and the use of an explanatory style of reportage.
   • 1997, David Hellawell, Headteacher from Hell and Other Animals, page 61:

     But Birtism is only one example of the larger issue of the application of 'Thatcherism' to the management of the public sector in general and to education in particular.

   • 2008, Ken Bloomfield, The BBC at the Watershed, page 148:

     At this time Dyke with his gregarious nature and empathy with creative and other staff was regarded within the BBC as a refreshing change from the rather Stalinist atmosphere of Birtism.

   • 2011, Hugh Chignell, Public Issue Radio, page 176:

     Another, sometimes neglected, feature of Birtism was the push towards a more diverse range of voices in broadcasting.