The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee has launched an inquiry into the future funding of the BBC.
The BBC’s current income is around £5 billion, of which roughly £3.6 billion is generated from the licence fee. The remainder is generated through other, non-public means. This includes money from sales of programming internationally.
The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport recently stated that it was time to “look further into the future” and confirmed that the Government will undertake a review of the overall BBC licence fee model, with discussions beginning “shortly”.
Between now and 11th March 2022, the committee is welcoming feedback from stakeholders and individuals, including the general public, academics, Government, media organisations and industry analysts.
It is seeking answers to the following questions:
- How will new technologies and consumer habits change the future broadcasting landscape?
- What is the purpose of a national broadcaster?
- What principles and priorities should inform the choice of the BBC’s funding model? And how would any alternative funding models affect what the BBC can provide?
- How should the BBC change over the next five years to adapt to evolving consumer habits and needs – and what does the Corporation need to do to prepare for the future in the longer term?
- What actions and consultations are needed from the government to inform its future BBC funding plans?