Government launches BBC Charter Review amid calls for licence fee reform
The UK Government has launched a review of the BBC’s royal charter, signalling potential reforms to the licence fee and exploring options for the broadcaster to increase commercial revenue.
The review, which occurs once every decade, sets out the constitutional basis for the BBC and defines its public purpose. Currently, the corporation is primarily funded through the licence fee paid by UK households.
The move comes during a period of turbulence for the BBC, following senior executive resignations and a lawsuit filed by former US President Donald Trump. The legal action seeks up to $10 billion (£7.5 billion) in damages over the editing of a speech featured in a Panorama episode relating to the 2021 Capitol attack.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy published a Green Paper outlining proposals under consultation. These include strengthening the BBC’s independence, updating its mission to give accuracy equal weight alongside impartiality, and introducing measures to improve transparency in editorial decision-making. The government is also considering new responsibilities for the BBC to counter misinformation and enhance media literacy, alongside workplace conduct standards.
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Funding options under review include reforming the licence fee, updating concessions, and enabling the BBC to generate more commercial income. Proposals also cover sustainable funding for the World Service and minority-language broadcasting.
The review aims to ensure the BBC remains independent, trusted, and representative of all UK communities while adapting to a rapidly changing media landscape. It also seeks to position the BBC as a driver of economic growth and innovation, with obligations to support the creative sector across the UK and invest in digital technologies.
Public consultation on the Green Paper is now open, with responses informing a White Paper expected in 2026.
