Britain may change BBC funding to allow adverts or subscriptions

LONDON: Britain’s century-old BBC broadcaster could break with tradition to carry some advertising or be available on subscription under proposals being considered by the government to alter the current funding model of a universal licence fee.

The BBC’s funding has long been a source of national debate, given that any household that watches live TV is obliged to pay the fee, and has come under greater scrutiny as politicians from different sides have accused it of bias.

The BBC, which prides itself as a beacon of neutrality and truth and has traditionally had a large global audience including for its World Service radio, has come under further pressure from a lawsuit by US President Donald Trump.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy launched a review of the BBC’s charter on Tuesday to “future-proof” the institution, which remains largely supported by Britons despite frequent political controversy over its content.

With the number of people paying the 174.50 pound (USD234) annual licence falling, however, the government said it was considering options to generate more commercial revenue, including advertising on its online or other services.

That would end a big distinguishing factor for the BBC - the absence of commercials - but could also negatively impact other networks, such as Britain’s biggest free-to-air commercial network ITV, by taking a share of an already shrinking ad market.

Another proposal could see news, current affairs, factual and children’s TV remain funded by a licence and universally available, with more commercially viable content like drama funded by subscription, according to the government’s consultation paper.

Nandy said the BBC must reflect Britain, be an engine for economic growth and be funded in a sustainable and fair way.

“The BBC must remain fiercely independent, accountable and be able to command public trust,” she added.

BBC Director General Tim Davie, who resigned over the Trump complaint but has not yet left, said the BBC welcomed potential reforms. “At the BBC, we want change, so we can continue to deliver for the UK for generations to come,” he said.

Trump sued the BBC for up to USD10 billion in damages over edited clips of a speech which he said defamed him, according to a filing in a Miami federal court on Monday. The BBC is defending the case, having already apologised to Trump.