BBC chief accepts need for 'reform' in way corporation funded as charter reviewed

BC director-general Tim Davie has said that he supports “reform” in the way the corporation is funded.

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The Government is set to launch the review of the BBC’s Charter, looking at how it should be funded, after committing to increasing the licence fee in line with inflation each year until 2027.

In April, there was a rise from £169.50 to £174.50 in the household charge, after years in which the licence fee was first frozen and then increased at a slower rate than the BBC expected, leaving the corporation increasingly cash-strapped amid rising inflation.

At the Media and Telecoms 2025 and Beyond Conference, from Enders Analysis and Deloitte, in London on Tuesday, Mr Davie said: “I want to justify the value that we have. I want that protected.

“I think there is reform (needed) in terms of potential (changes to the) licence fee, how progressive it is, and you'll debate the enforcement question.”

He added that he does “not want the same system” in the future, but said: “I do want universal funding, and I want a proper investigation of begrudging, grinding cuts that we've seen over the last 10 years, which has just not helped.”

Mr Davie also told the event, at Convene Sancroft in the St Paul's area, that he is concerned about the people who “don’t care” about the BBC and are “disengaged” rather than people who criticise the corporation.