Foreign Affairs Committee launches inquiry into BBC World Service

• Inquiry: The future of the BBC World Service

Today the Foreign Affairs Committee launches an inquiry into the BBC World Service and the funding pressures it faces, asking whether the service has the resources it needs to deliver a high standard of impartial and factual journalism globally. The Committee will focus on how the World Service is funded and run, and the relationship between the World Service and the UK’s soft power abroad. The BBC World Service is funded by the UK licence fee and receives grant funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

This inquiry will run parallel to a Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry into the BBC World Service.

Chair comment:

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Emily Thornberry MP, said:

“The BBC World Service is a cultural institution and integral to our soft power and standing across the world.

“World Service journalists operate in difficult – and sometimes dangerous – circumstances. Journalists place their lives on the line to deliver truthful and trusted reporting to millions. In autocratic, oppressive regimes, they are at times the sole dissenting voice and play a vital role in countering disinformation.

“In recent years the World Service has faced increasing budgetary cuts and pressures. While last week’s Budget pledged to protect the service and increase funding, the devil is very much in the detail. We are yet to hear how much will be spent and on what.

“This inquiry will ask whether the World Service has the funding and support it needs to continue to deliver impartial, high-quality journalism. In particular, the Committee will focus on changes to the funding model of the World Service and ask whether cuts to its Budget have placed the service under pressure.”

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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