Despite the BBC World Service reaching an international audience
of almost half a billion each week on average, the World Service
faces significant challenges, including decisions concerning its
long-term funding and funding model.
Today the Foreign Affairs Committee launches an inquiry into the
BBC World Service and the funding pressures it faces, asking
whether the service has the resources it needs to deliver a high
standard of impartial and factual journalism globally. The
Committee will focus on how the World Service is funded and run,
and whether the reduction of funding will have an impact on the
UK's soft power abroad. The BBC World Service is funded by the UK
licence fee and receives grant funding from the Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Office.
This inquiry will run parallel to a Culture, Media and Sport
Committee inquiry into the BBC World Service.
Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, MP, said:
“The BBC World Service is a cultural institution and integral to
our soft power and standing across the world.
“World Service journalists operate in difficult – and sometimes
dangerous – circumstances. Journalists place their lives on the
line to deliver truthful and trusted reporting to millions. In
autocratic, oppressive regimes, they are at times the sole
dissenting voice and play a vital role in countering
disinformation.
“In recent years the World Service has faced increasing budgetary
cuts and pressures. While last week's Budget pledged to protect
the service and increase funding, the devil is very much in the
detail. We are yet to hear how much will be spent and on what.
“This inquiry will ask whether the World Service has the funding
and support it needs to continue to deliver impartial,
high-quality journalism. In particular, the Committee will focus
on changes to the funding model of the World Service and ask
whether cuts to its Budget have placed the service under
pressure.”
