Government starts BBC Charter Review consultation
The Government has launched a review of the BBC’s Royal Charter, beginning a public consultation on how the broadcaster should be governed, funded and regulated in the future.
The once-in-a-decade process aims to ensure the BBC remains trusted, independent and financially sustainable as audience habits continue to change.
The review is being led by the Culture Secretary and marks the formal start of the process to renew the BBC’s Royal Charter, which sets out its public purpose, governance and funding model.
A Green Paper published today sets out options for reform and invites views from people across the UK. It focuses on three linked areas: public trust and accountability, long-term funding, and the BBC’s role in supporting growth and jobs across the nations and regions.
The Government says the BBC remains a major part of the UK’s creative economy, generating around £5 billion a year, employing more than 20,000 people and investing heavily in UK-made content, while reaching hundreds of millions of people worldwide each week.
One area under consideration is strengthening independence and transparency, including the way board appointments are made and how editorial decisions are explained, particularly during major news events. Proposals also include giving accuracy equal weight alongside impartiality in the BBC’s public mission.
The Green Paper also raises the possibility of new responsibilities for the BBC in tackling misinformation and supporting media literacy, alongside clearer duties around workplace conduct and staff protection. On funding, the Government is seeking views on reform of the licence fee, potential changes to concessions, and ways the BBC could generate more commercial income. Options for funding the World Service and supporting minority language broadcasting, including S4C, are also included.
Another focus is the BBC’s economic impact beyond London. Ideas include new obligations to support skills, spread commissioning power across the UK, invest in research and development, and work more closely with partners, including local news organisations.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The BBC must remain fiercely independent, accountable and be able to command public trust. It must reflect the whole of the UK and be funded in a way that is sustainable and fair for audiences.”
Responses to the consultation will help shape a White Paper, expected to be published in 2026.