BBC opposed to Worldwide sell-off

The BBC Trust has defended its right to remain a “universal public service broadcaster” and opposed the potential sale of its commercial arm BBC Worldwide or future ‘top-slicing’of the licence fee.

In its formal response to the UK Government’s Green Paper consultation on the BBC’s Charter Review, the BBC’s governing body claimed that, at 92%, the vast majority of the public agreed that the BBC should provide “something for everyone who pays the licence fee”.

The Trust argued that the licence fee, modernised to take account of iPlayer, remains “the most sensible way of funding the BBC” and argued that the licence fee should not be top-sliced to pay for things likedigital radio switchover.

It also said that BBC Worldwide owns the BBC’s content on behalf of the licence fee payer and that selling or privatising it would “remove from the BBC the long-term stream of funding and investment that it provides.”

“Our evidence so far shows that the public supports a BBC that is universal, independent and at the heart of our cultural life. Today’s response to the Government is grounded in what tens of thousands of people have told us; our work continues with more research and consultation in the coming months, and we will play a full part in the discussions with the Government as the BBC’s future is decided,” said BBC Trust chairman Rona Fairhead (pictured).

Separately, the BBC, in its own submission to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Charter Review public consultation, said that the “universality” provided by shows and sporting events like The Great British Bake Off, Strictly Come Dancing, the FA Cup and Wimbledon “should not be taken for granted.”

The broadcaster said that while its output should be clearly distinguishable from its commercial competitors, this should not equate to ‘market failure’ or “stepping back from popular content”

“The BBC’s services should be distinctive, not distinct. The BBC makes good popular programmes – if we withdrew, audiences would have less choice,” said the broadcaster in its 103-page Charter Review document.

“The value of – and public support for – the BBC comes from the range and depth of its content. We achieve universality with distinctive services, and that universality is valuable because of the quality of those services.”