The BBC has urged the UK government to scrap the fixed-term nature of its Royal Charter as part of a sweeping reform package, arguing that the current model is unfit for the digital age. In a 100-page response to the government's Charter Review consultation, the broadcaster warned that preserving the status quo would lead to decline.
Titled 'A BBC for All', the submission outlines four key areas: the BBC's role as a trusted institution, delivering public good services, driving economic growth across the UK, and securing sustainable funding. The BBC proposes radical changes to its independence, ability to respond to audience needs, and funding model, which it says was designed for a different era.
The BBC also calls on the government to fully fund the World Service, recognising it as a global beacon of media freedom. It argues that a Charter Review that merely maintains current arrangements will not suffice to keep the BBC relevant or beneficial to UK society.
Among the proposals are expanded efforts to combat disinformation, stronger partnerships with local news providers, and an extension of the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The BBC also plans to open its iPlayer platform to other UK public service media and evolve its Bitesize education service to boost media literacy among children.
BBC Chair Samir Shah described the corporation as a 'vital national asset' but warned it is 'at risk like never before'. Director-General Tim Davie added: 'The choice here is clear: back the BBC or watch it decline.' The government's consultation is open for public and industry input until later this year.
