<p>Jocelyn Hay, the founder of the <a href="http://www.vlv.org.uk" title="" target='_blank'>Voice of the Listener & Viewer</a> consumer group, which champions <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/public-service-broadcasting" title="More from the Guardian on Public service broadcasting" target='_blank'>public service broadcasting</a>, has died aged 86.</p><p>A
freelance writer and broadcaster, Hay, a quiet, well-spoken woman with
the ability to ask penetrating questions, set up the organisation
(originally called Voice of the Listener) in 1983, in response to the
first threat to turn Radio 4 into a news and current affairs network.</p><p>The
public meeting attracted 80 people, and she realised there was a
pressing need at a time of great broadcasting changes for a consumer
body to speak on a full range of policy issues, rather than the narrow
campaigns of Mary Whitehouse. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/sep/15/bbc.radio" title="" target='_blank'>When she stood down from the chairmanship in 2008 it had 3,000 members</a>.</p><p>Colin
Browne, the VLV chairman, said: "She was an inspiration to all of us
who believe in quality and diversity in broadcasting."</p><p>BBC Trust
chairman Lord Patten said: "Jocelyn Hay was an indomitable campaigner
for better quality in television and radio. Her influence spanning 30
years of tireless campaigning cannot be overestimated. My sincere
condolences to her family."</p><p>Although sometimes derided for being
too pro-BBC and middle class, under Hay the VLV challenged the Peacock
Committee's proposals in 1986 to privatise Radio 1 and Radio 2, opposed
extending advertising to the BBC, campaigned against Radio 4 being
stripped of its long wave frequency in the 1990s, and was critical of
ITV's withdrawal from children's television production and many regional
commitments after the Communications Act 2003.</p><p>"She helped to ensure the views of listeners and viewers were listened to by decision-makers across the industry," added Browne.</p>