BBC director general Tim Davie has warned that the World Service will run out of funding in seven weeks, with no future government deal in place. Speaking at an event on global media security, Davie said the current funding arrangement with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) expires at the end of March, leaving the service in a precarious position.
Davie emphasised that the funding crisis comes as disinformation spreads rapidly and trust in state broadcasters from Russia and China grows. BBC research shows trust in Russia Today and China Global Television Network has risen to 71% and 70% respectively, while the BBC remains at 78%. He urged the government to back the World Service decisively, noting that other Western news organisations are cutting international reporting teams.
The World Service’s annual budget of around £400 million is primarily funded by the licence fee, with the Foreign Office contributing £137 million last year. Davie has made securing a new deal a priority before he leaves his role in April, and he is also advocating for increased taxpayer investment, particularly given US cuts to public media under Donald Trump.
Davie praised journalists at the BBC’s Persian service, who face threats and persecution from Iranian authorities. He noted that when internet was blocked during protests in Iran, the BBC enhanced TV satellite and radio offerings to reach audiences. He also warned that the BBC is blocked in China, Russia, Turkmenistan, and parts of Vietnam, and faces difficulties in Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
FCDO minister Chris Elmore acknowledged the World Service’s value as an independent broadcaster showcasing the UK, but said funding for the next three years will be decided through the FCDO allocations process, with a decision expected before the 2026-27 financial year begins.
