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BBC Arabic Service

The FCDO values the work of the BBC World Service in promoting UK values globally. As the world's most trusted international broadcaster, it is a vital tool in providing accurate and impartial news to 365 million people globally each week. The FCDO engages regularly with the BBC and the Foreign Secretary periodically agrees with the BBC their objectives, priorities and targets, which include metrics relating to audience reach. However, the BBC remains operationally and editorially independent of Government, decisions about delivery of services are for them to take.

Though BBC Arabic radio has closed, the service remains available on TV and digital platforms, which are fast becoming the most popular form of engagement. BBC Arabic is funded by the Licence Fee, with some additional support from the FCDO through the 'World2020 programme'. As stated in the Integrated Review Refresh, the UK Government is working to bring soft power into its broader foreign policy approach. This includes providing a one-off £20 million uplift to the World Service to protect all 42 language services, recognising its crucial role in supporting UK soft power and countering harmful disinformation.

The FCDO strongly values the important work of the BBC World Service in providing accurate and impartial news to 365 million people globally each week.

The FCDO engages regularly with the BBC. The BBC and the Foreign Secretary periodically agree objectives, priorities and targets, which include audience reach metrics. However, the BBC remains operationally and editorially independent of Government and service delivery decisions are for them to take. Though BBC Arabic radio broadcasting has ceased, the service remains available via TV and digital platforms, reflecting audience trends. BBC Arabic is funded by the Licence Fee, with some additional support via the FCDO-funded 'World2020 programme'.

As stated in the Integrated Review Refresh, the UK Government is working to bring soft power into its broader foreign policy approach. This includes providing a one-off £20 million uplift to the World Service to protect all 42 language services, recognising its crucial role in supporting UK soft power and countering harmful disinformation.