As part of its response to the Charter Review, the BBC has suggested it could make iPlayer available to other UK public service media.
Following the government’s green paper in December, the BBC has responded with its vision to boost the UK’s creative economy, support democracy and give greater value to audiences.”
The 100-page response, A BBC for All, stated the current funding model is unable to support the corporation’s public service mission for the future, and highlighted the need for “radical reforms” to its independence and its ability to respond to evolving audience demand.
Focusing on delivering three roles: to pursue the truth with no agenda, back the best homegrown storytelling and bring people together, the BBC outlined a range of proposals aiming to allow it to modernise.
It recommended extending reach across audiences who are consuming its content on third-party services, which could include making platforms such as iPlayer available to other UK public service media.
BBC Chair Samir Shah said, “The BBC is a vital national asset. A shared investment in the UK’s culture, communities, and democracy. It supports world-leading creative industries and drives economic growth, as well as promoting the UK’s interests and influence abroad. But it is also at risk like never before and this Charter must deliver reform. In a fast-changing and challenging world, the BBC is needed more than ever.”
Commenting, outgoing director-general, Tim Davie, added, “The BBC is a world‑class success story at the heart of the UK’s cultural life and our growing creative industries, still rooted in our founding principles to inform, educate and entertain. The BBC stands ready to continue to innovate, to do more for audiences and to support our partners across the UK. But the choice here is clear: back the BBC or watch it decline, the status quo is not an option. Clear decisions are needed to ensure the BBC is funded sustainably and fairly so it can continue to deliver, both for audiences and for the country. Our response to the Government consultation sets out our vision for what we think can be achieved in the future, with reform, bold choices and investment—a BBC for all.”
The BBC has highlighted three key areas for Charter reform:
- Independence: The 10 year Charter process should be removed, along with changes to board appointment and how funding decisions are made. The BBC should focus on accountability to the public.
- Funding: The current model can no longer sustain the BBC’s public service mission. Reform is required to ensure universal funding that is sufficient, sustainable and fair for all. The government should also take back full funding of the World Service.
- Pace of change: The BBC should be allowed to move at the pace of today’s media world, rather than regulated for the past. The new Charter should reflect the realities of competition and technological change.
The government has invited the public to comment on the future of the BBC over the next decade via a consultation which closes on Tuesday March 10th.
