The BBC is one of this nation's most treasured institutions that continues to command a central role in the lives of so many people here in the UK and overseas. I believe that the new Charter will begin to put in place the right supporting framework to strengthen the BBC so that it continues to thrive in a fast-changing media landscape and goes on delivering the best possible service for licence fee payers.
The Charter will overhaul how the BBC is governed, making it more accountable to the licence fee payer and will hopefully strengthen its independence. I welcome the focus on high quality, distinctive content that serves all communities who make up our common national identity. This will be at the heart of the BBC's overall core mission of informing, educating and entertaining.
I want to ensure that the core principle of impartiality will be embedded in the BBC’s overall mission, and its role in supporting the wider creative industries will be expanded. A new, small, contestable public service content fund will allow other broadcasters and producers to make more public service content in areas that are currently underserved such as programmes for children and for black and minority ethnic audiences, and for the first time, diversity will be enshrined in the new Charter’s public purposes.
I am personally concerned by political appointments onto the BBC Board and have written to John Whittingdale, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to ascertain what steps can be taken to ensure that the BBC’s impartiality is not compromised in any way.
The BBC receives £3.7 billion from the licence fee and it is essential that this is spent wisely. To help ensure this, the National Audit Office will become the BBC's financial auditor. The board will also be required to ensure that the BBC is transparent and efficient in its spending with those enjoying remuneration packages greater than £450,000 being identified in broad bands.
The Government’s proposals are intended to ensure that the BBC continues to thrive, providing high quality distinctive programmes, delivering value for money and acting as an engine for growth and creativity in every part of the UK.
Since the publication of the White Paper, I have also spoken with the BBC, and will continue to campaign for the impartiality of this much loved and respected British institution. I will ensure I keep this page updated on any further information I receive regarding political appointments to the Board.
You can read the Government's proposals in full here.