Summary
The UK government will give the BBC World Service an extra £33 million over the next three years. This funding is intended to support the World Service in delivering independent news to global audiences. The money comes from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, increasing the annual support by £11 million.
Key Facts
- The UK government will boost BBC World Service funding by £33 million over three years.
- The additional funding represents an 8% increase from the previous year's government contribution.
- The BBC World Service reaches over 300 million people each week through its 42 language services.
- The World Service is notable for providing news in regions with limited media freedom.
- Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the importance of the World Service in delivering reliable information worldwide.
- The BBC expressed a desire for the government to fully fund the World Service, as it did before 2014.
- The BBC has faced budget cuts, with a 21% decline projected between 2021/22 and 2025/6.
- The service has a strong presence in countries like Iran, even launching emergency radio services for the region.
