BBC could get more funding to project ‘UK’s values across the world’

An inquiry has been launched to decide whether the BBC should receive more government funding to help project “UK’s values across the world”.

The broadcaster’s World Service receives more than £100 million in funding from the Foreign Office, but Tim Davie, the director-general, has warned that the service “needs help”.

An inquiry has been called to establish whether the BBC needs more financial help from the Government to project UK values and soft power.

MPs on the House of Commons’ International Development Committee (IDC) have called for evidence to establish what support should be given to the BBC.

The committee stated: “Given its impact on the UK’s development goals, and the projection of the UK’s values across the world, the International Development Committee is launching a short inquiry to establish the case for increased government support.”

Part of the inquiry will seek to set out “what soft power advantages does the World Service provide for the UK and the projection of its values”.

Series of budget cuts

News of the inquiry comes following a series of cuts to the BBC budget, and a smaller-than-expected rise in the licence fee charge, leaving the broadcaster facing a further £90 million shortfall on top of a £400 million funding gap created by the previous licence fee freeze.

Last month, Mr Davie told a Royal Television Society audience that the World Service would need additional funding if it was to continue to keep up with its current output.

The service provides trusted news, radio and TV content to a global audience of 318 million around the world in 42 languages, and a current funding deal with the Government requires the BBC to retain all of these language options despite financial pressure.

The deal comes to an end in 2025, creating the possibility of cuts to the service if further funding is not provided.

Mr Davie said: “We cannot keep asking UK licence fee payers to invest in it when we face cuts to UK services.

“We will need to discuss a long-term funding solution for the World Service that comes from central government budgets. Even in the short term, we will need more help.

“Russia and China are investing hard, and not properly funding one of the UK’s most valuable soft power assets makes no sense economically or culturally.”

The IDC inquiry will look into the need and value of any further funding.