“The truth is that television has been, and is, going through a crisis – decreasing viewing figures for the legacy channels, an economic model that doesn’t stack up for the streamers and the internet which has sucked a vast amount of money out of the system. In the shiny new digital age, broadcast television especially can seem like a bit of a dinosaur but I want to argue that television does have an important value.”

Basi, a former Westminster pupil and now a Governor, argued to Sixth Form pupils that in a world saturated by social media and streaming services, television still holds the power to bring society together, creating a ‘common cultural currency’. With episodes released weekly, the nation sits down collectively to watch, sparking conversations that can last for weeks. Not many will have missed Celebrity Traitors. Reflecting on his own youth, Basi recalled The X Factor, commending the show for its commitment to diversity and for presenting a positive vision of modern Britain.

Basi outlined what he believes qualifies as television: shows, series, documentaries and news “that have gone through the classic production process – a piece of content commissioned by a channel or streamer, made by a group of professionals, subject to an editorial process and then broadcast or released”, rather than user-generated or advertiser-funded content. It has the power to educate society and enact positive social change, though conversely it can also reinforce unconscious bias. He noted that the absence of smoking on public television today reflects broadcasters’ mindfulness regarding key issues, as they actively choose to champion Britain’s health. Similarly, sustainability has become a recurring theme. Asking his audience whether they had watched Mr Bates vs the Post Office, which exposed the wrongful conviction of post office workers, he explained how the programme prompted public pressure on the government, ultimately leading to overturned convictions and compensation for victims.

Speaking about his work at Agatha Christie Ltd, Basi acknowledged the responsibility he feels to shape public perception. As Creative Director, he oversaw all aspects of production and has intervened on multiple occasions to challenge racial stereotypes. In Murder is Easy, working with screenwriter Siân Ejiwunmi-Le Berre, who like himself is half-Nigerian, the pair introduced a Black lead character, anticipating the show would reach millions. On another production, he was dismayed to find that a prison scene featured only Black actors, inadvertently suggesting that only Black people could be criminals. Disturbed that the content had passed through so many decision-makers, he stepped in to ensure white actors were included. For him, this sense of responsibility fuelled his passion for television.

At the post-lecture Locke lunch, discussion covered budgets, the changing pace of television, and the relationship between studying History at university (Girton, Cambridge) and a career in broadcasting — highlighting how the skills are transferable. All agreed that television remains an exciting and treasured art form; when a viewer is hooked on a series, all they can think about is the next episode. That’s not to be taken lightly.

As part of the Agatha Christie Ltd team, with a focus on film and TV, Basi helped bring new audiences to the ‘Queen of Crime’ through English-language adaptations such as And Then There Were None and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, as well as Disney’s big-screen Poirot franchise. Globally, he has contributed to productions in Sweden, France, Japan, South Korea, India, and China.

Johnvi (Sixth Form, RR) said: “I was intrigued to hear Basi’s experiences adapting Christie novels, especially his fascinating insider knowledge!”

The School’s John Locke Lecture Series reflects Westminster School’s commitment to intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and preparing students for leadership in a global society. Designed to foster critical thinking and academic excellence, it takes the place of lessons in autumn and spring, complementing the intellectual life of Year 12 pupils. Its frequency means that students are exposed to a wide range of prominent speakers — a bit like having ten speech days in two terms.