BBC Refuses to Comment on Accusations of Growing Closer With Government

The BBC does not comment the accusations of former company's chairman Christopher Bland that BBC is getting "closer to the government because it is doing what the government is telling it to do."

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The BBC does not comment on accusations by the broadcaster’s former chairman Christopher Bland on Thursday that the company is becoming closer to the UK government, the BBC press office told Sputnik Friday.

The UK government decided on Monday to extend BBC’s responsibilities to include some aspects of state social policy including subsidizing 75-year-olds with free licenses. The BBC agreed with this decision, although the current company's charter, expiring at the end of 2016, does not recognize the responsibility.

On Thursday, BBC's former chairman Christopher Bland told RTTV channel that the company's consent for such responsibilities will make it grow "closer to the government because it is doing what the government is telling it to do."

"We won’t be commenting on Sir Christopher Bland’s interview," the BBC said.

The BBC referred to Hall's Monday statement explaining that the agreement between the government and the company is a "right deal for the BBC in difficult economic circumstances for the country," which shall bring "the long term funding for a strong BBC over the next Charter period."

The UK government decision to force the responsibility for some social policy measures on the BBC came in light of new budget plans presented by Exchequer Chancellor George Osborne on Wednesday.