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Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 September 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 September 2024. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


BBC World Service

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the soft power value to the UK of the news programming provided by the BBC World Service; and whether they intend to fund fully the BBC World Service language services.

Answer

The Government strongly values the BBC World Service as a UK soft power asset. It is the world's most trusted international broadcaster. Consisting of 42 language services, it provides impartial accurate news to a global audience of 320 million across more than 120 countries.

The Government is committed to a successful BBC World Service and ensuring its financial sustainability. Ahead of Charter Review, the Government will keep an open mind about the future of the licence fee and how the World Service is funded, and engage with the BBC, the public and other stakeholders before making decisions.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1052
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Finance BBC World Service Soft power
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk