UK Culture Secretary appoints expert panel to advise on future funding of BBC

The panel includes figures from across the broadcasting and media sectors, including the former Chairman of ITV Sir Peter Bazalgette; the former Chief Executive of Channel 5 David Elstein; and Dame Frances Cairncross, who led the independent review into press sustainability in 2019.

The panel will assess the sustainability of the BBC’s current licence fee model and examine alternative options for funding the national broadcaster.

It will provide analysis and advice to ministers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on issues surrounding future funding models. The panel will also explore new ways for the broadcaster to increase commercial income and how it could transition to any potential new funding model.

Also on the panel is Martin Ivens, the Editor of the Times Literary Supplement and former Editor of the Sunday Times newspaper, and Siobhan Kenny, the former CEO of Radiocentre and Director of Communications at DCMS. Oli Hyatt co-founder and former Managing Director of kids TV producer Blue Zoo Productions, and Helen Bower Easton, Director of Communications for the Financial Conduct Authority have also been asked to join. So too have Amber de Botton, Downing Street’s Director of Communications, and Lorna Tilbian, the Executive Chairman of investment and wealth management firm Dowgate Capital.

The panel will also look at how funding arrangements apply to the BBC World Service and Minority Language Broadcasting in the UK.

Decisions related to the BBC’s funding model will be for the Government to make at the next Charter Review, after taking into consideration the expert panel’s insight. The public will also be consulted as part of the Charter Review.

Frazer said: “The BBC has a unique role in public life, and fulfils an important service in projecting and promoting our values and culture at home and around the world. We want to see it thrive for generations to come. But in an evolving media landscape, with increased pressure on licence fee payers, it’s right that we take a look at whether the current funding model is fit for the future.

“That’s why I’m bringing together leading television, radio and business experts to provide independent advice and valuable insight on future funding models for the BBC, guaranteeing its long-term financial sustainability.”