Concerns raised for future of top BBC shows
Tories said to want broadcaster to focus on public service roots
FEARS for the future of popular BBC programmes such as The Voice and Dr Who have intensified amid reports the Conservative Government wants the broadcaster to return to its public service roots.
The push could mean bad news for fans of hit entertainment shows like The Great British Bake Off, Strictly Come Dancing and Sherlock, and an uncertain future for highly-paid judges of the TV talent show The Voice such as Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am and Ricky Wilson.
The BBC has faced claims it is turning out populist shows in a drive to chase viewers. But a source at the corporation hit back, saying it sought to make the “good popular and the popular good”.
A new review is also expected to look at claims by senior Conservatives that the BBC is biased because it is too left-wing – something the broadcaster denies.
A Green Paper, expected to be published this week, is also reported to open the door to a replacement for the BBC’s current funding model, the £145.50 licence fee.
Possible alter natives are expected to include a household tax or a subscription system.
The document is also thought to suggest the BBC’s website could be scaled back.
The review comes just days after the BBC agreed to take over funding of licence fees for the over-75s – amid fears of further cuts to its funding.
But that move has led to calls for BBC funding to be depoliticised.
BBC director-general Tony Hall said that future debate about the BBC “should be taken out of the political cycle”.
He also hit back at claims of bias saying that the BBC “is as independent today as it has ever been. There has been no fundamental change in the relationship between government and corporation. Nor will there be under my watch”.
However, he signalled that difficult decisions would have to be taken in future months. But he added: “For people to have confidence in the country’s most important news organisation, they must know that its journalists will ask the difficult questions without fear or favour.”
The Culture Secretary John Whittingdale has appointed an expert panel to carry out a review of the BBC.
Their investigation will form part of the process for renewing the broadcaster’s royal charter next year.
Those appointed to the new group include former Channel 5 boss Dawn Airey, who has previously called for the licence fee to be cut and for the broadcaster to consider charging for its website.
Other members include Shazam executive chairman Andrew Fisher, Arts Council England boss Darren Henley, Johnston Press Chief Executive Ashley Highfield and journalism professor Stewart Purvis – a former editor-in-chief of ITN.
A Department for Culture, Media and Sport source said “nothing has been decided yet” and “everything is still on the table”.
A BBC source denied the corporation set out solely to attract viewers, adding: “Let’s see what the Green Paper says, but the BBC doesn’t nakedly chase viewers.”
‘‘ There has been no fundamental change in the relationship between government and corporation. Nor will there be under my watch