UK White Paper Sets Out Profound Reforms to Overhaul BBC

UK government revealed a white paper on Thursday that sets out steps to overhaul its main broadcaster BBC, with measures allegedly aiming to strike a balance between accountability and independence.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — A new unitary board of 12-14 members will be created to govern BBC, with the Office of Communications (Ofcom) becoming the external independent regulator.

"These reforms will embolden the BBC to take risks, to create confidently and unashamedly the highest quality, distinctive content for all audiences," UK State Secretary for Media John Whittingdale told the parliament.

The board will be required to probe "excessive management layers and overall staffing" to cut spending. The National Audit Office (NAO) will scrutinize its value for money in light of $5.3 billion it spends in public funds.

The government has also promised 289 million pounds ($418 million) in additional funding until 2020 – on top of the current 254 million pounds a year – for BBC World Service to "help promote Britain and our values around the world."

The broadcaster will have an 11-year Charter, with "health checks" planned at mid-term. The license fee level will be guaranteed for 11 years and increased in line with inflation starting in 2017-2018. The fee-setting process will be regularized to reset the fee level every five years.

The new Charter will enshrine BBC’s commitment to diversity and clear board-level responsibilities. It will be required to work closer with local news industry across the country and employ additional 150 local journalists.

The UK government will gauge the opinions of key groups including the parliament and publish a draft version of the Charter in the coming months. It said it expects the groundwork document to come into force from January 1, 2017.