The first part of consultation on the future of the BBC and the renewal of its Royal Charter (which expires in 2006), being carried out by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) closed on 31st March 2004. A detailed analysis of responses is now being carried out.
Associated with this work, Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has announced the membership for her panel reviewing the BBC's Royal Charter. This includes Sly Bailey, Chief Executive of Trinity Mirror, Tim Gardam, former Channel 4 and BBC Executive, Sir Alan Budd, former chief economic adviser to the Treasury, Janet Finch, vice-chancellor of Keele University, and Alice Rawsthorn, the Director of the Design Museum.
The DCMS is expected to issue a Green Paper on the future of the BBC and the renewal of its Royal Charter towards the end of 2004.
VLV has now published its response to the DCMS's consultation on the future of the BBC and the renewal of its Royal Charter - VLV BBC Response - filesize is 152k
In a wide ranging response, VLV in particular supports the licence fee as being the fairest and most efficient system for funding the BBC in its totality, including its radio, television and online services.