The BBC's Future

We take the BBC for granted but its Royal Charter expires in 2006.

Anyone concerned about the future of the BBC and of public service broadcasting can now make their views known in a major consultation exercise being undertaken by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

As well as the future of the BBC's domestic television and radio services, the consultation also covers the  World Service and the BBC's role as a patron of the arts and music.

Full details of the consultation can be found at a special website: www.bbccharterreview.org.uk. A leaflet explaining the consultation can be obtained by telephoning the DCMS on 0207 211 6418. The deadline for responses is 31st March, 2004.

The consultation asks eight questions, but there is no restriction on adding any other views or comments:

• What do you value most about the BBC?
• How should the BBC adapt to cope with changes in technology and culture?
• What do you think of the television, radio and online services the BBC provides?
• Should the BBC run commercial services?
• How should we pay for the BBC?
• Is the BBC organised in the most effective and efficient way?
• How should the BBC be run? How should it be regulated?
• How do we ensure that the BBC is properly accountable to the public and Parliament?

Jocelyn Hay, Chairman of Voice of the Listener and Viewer commented: 'It is vitally important that as many people as possible use this rare chance to make their views known to the policy makers. The role and funding of the BBC are being questioned by commercial rivals and by the proprietors of satellite channels. But without the BBC serving citizens, consumer and the public interest,  all our lives would be poorer.'

Full details of VLV's response to the consultation on the future of the BBC will be published shortly. It will be based on the views of VLV members and supporters attending a special VLV consultation meeting on 4 March 2004 in central London.

For further information, contact: Linda Forbes or Jocelyn Hay. 
Tel: (00)1474-352835; Fax:  (00)1474-351112.

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