This discussion of current proposals for the deregulation of broadcasting in the United Kingdom argues that several questions should be considered: (1) whether the existing system of obligations ought to be retained; (2) how any system of obligations can best be enforced and policed if this proves necessary; and (3) whether defenders of the principles of public service broadcasting (PSB) can provide adequate answers to complaints that have been made about the practices which are supposed to implement these principles, or whether alternative principles should be considered that would provide a novel and more adequate editorial policy for broadcasting. An assessment of the impact on broadcasting of the principles and regulations that have been adopted and routinely implemented is followed by discussions of the principles of PSB; the practice of PSB; the special relationship that exists between broadcasting and the public sphere; the concept of "national identity"; and existing relationships between popular culture and the commercial sector. It is concluded that, although the unqualified implementation of several of the principles of PSB inhibits further development of popular broadcasting, there is no need to abandon all of the PSB principles, and that new editorial criteria and practices are needed, as well as new economic strategies, if current limitations on the development of broadcasting are to be overcome. (33 references) (CGD)