The UK’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has suggested the government is considering granting the BBC a permanent charter, rather than the broadcaster going through the process of renewal every 10 years.
Speaking at the Society of Editors conference, Nandy described the BBC as “one of the two most important institutions in our country”, alongside the NHS.
“While the terms, the structures and the funding for the BBC will continue to be negotiated every several years, we should seek to end the bizarre situation where if the Charter isn’t agreed in time, the BBC ceases to exist,” she added.
“We will act to futureproof this vital institution in these stormy times when public debate feels more toxic and polarised than ever and too often the BBC becomes a lightning rod for the ongoing, exhausting culture wars.”
Stating that “no institution has inspired such intense views of debate throughout its 100 year history,” Nandy that during the BBC’s Charter Review this year, the government intends to strengthen the accountability of the leadership of the BBC, “not to politicians—but to the people it serves in every nation and region”.
“This will include commissioning power, not just programming, moving much closer to people, stronger and more streamlined internal accountability, so that staff can hold their leadership to account, with a much clearer expectation that licence fee payers will be able to see how their money is spent and the result of those decisions.”
The BBC’s current charter is due to expire on 31st December 2027. The government published a Green Paper at the end of 2025 with a range of options under consideration for the future of the broadcaster, including reforming the licence fee.
