I believe that the BBC is one of the nation’s most important institutions which is recognised internationally as a maker of quality content. Ten years ago, the last time the Government ran a Charter Review, the media landscape looked very different. The BBC has adapted to this changing landscape, and remains loved by audiences. As someone who does not have satellite or subscription TV, I am particularly reliant on the BBC's content and personally supportive of the institution as a whole (as the BBC are aware).
I understand that the Government feel the need to ask some hard questions during this Charter Review. They are seeking to include questions about what the BBC should be trying to achieve in an age where consumer choice is now far more extensive than it has been. In addition they want to examine what its scale and scope should be in the light of those aims, how far it affects others in television, radio and online, and what the right structures are for its governance and regulation. Today, for example, 62 per cent of all programmes accessed online are watched using the BBC’s iPlayer, a significant change from a decade ago.
The Government views the BBC as a national institution, paid for by the public. It will have spent more than £30 billion of public money over the current Charter period. The Government recently closed the consultation process which marked the completion of the first part of the Charter Review process. The Government launched the consultation to give people that opportunity and comment on how the BBC is governed. The Government believes that this consultation, combined with the publication of the Government’s topics for debate, is an important first step in an open and thorough Charter Review.
Whilst I join the Government in its wish to stimulate a national debate over the coming months as we map out the future for our BBC, I also have a strong personal belief that the BBC must be supported and cherished. The BBC is a unique institution and the envy across the world. Through its output, particularly the World Service, the BBC allows Britain to be relevant to, and influence, people and leaders across the world. At a time when the world is becoming even more fragmented, a voice that broadcasts and educates from within our nation is something we should be careful to protect.
My consultation response was to advocate keeping the BBC as it currently is. I very much hope to make the case for the BBC from the House of Commons chamber and I thank you again for taking the time to give me your own views on the matter.
Update:
A number of constituents have contacted me requesting further information about when the consultation will be published. The Government is taking the responses extremely seriously and is in the process of reading and analysing all of them. I am assured that once all the responses have been read and analysed, the Government will publish the results.
Update re 38 Degrees Petition
Subsequent to the consultation deadline having closed, I have been contacted by members of 38 degrees who are disappointed that their signature on a petition will not carry weight in the consultation exercise. The reason for this is because the consultation document requires completing in full (it took me approximately 30 minutes to complete) in order to compare the tens of thousands of responses. As this update shows, I am a supporter of the BBC inside the House of Commons and I welcome the support of the BBC as shown in this petition. I will use the petition to add a mandate to my own support so I hope petitioners will not feel that their efforts have gone unrecognised.
Update - Business Questions
I am delighted that the BBC's consultation has shown support for the BBC from those, like me, who completed the survey. As well as giving my own support in the survey, I continue to champion the BBC from my own benches. I have attached one such contribution for viewing.
http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/e67aeced-fe91-412b-b406-303db4f94d77?in=11:31:16&out=11:33:16