The British government has set out its intention to conduct a thorough review of the operations of the BBC, the British Broadcasting Corporation, as the broadcaster negotiates the renewal of its charter in 2016.
Culture Secretary John Whittingdale launched a consultation paper on the corporation's future with questions including how the BBC is funded, whether its programmes cater for all tastes and if it stifles competition from other media.
The paper will also investigate alternatives to the BBC licence fee, something every person with a television is forced to pay for whether they watch the BBC or not.
A public consultation will now follow.
Culture Secretary John Whittingdale told the British parliament that a debate is needed on the future of the broadcaster.
IN: "The British..
OUT: ...to the House."
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Culture Secretary John Whittingdale told the British parliament that the broadcaster needed to be more publically accountable.
IN: "While the BBC..
OUT: ...responsibilities."
DUR: 26
Culture Secretary John Whittingdale told the British parliament that the BBC Trust, which oversees the corporation, had not always been effective.
IN: "Any organisation.....
OUT: ...failures."
DUR: 25
Shadow Culture Secretary, Labour's Chris Bryant accused the government of wanting to make the BBC dramatically smaller. He told the British parliament that the broadcaster set standards around the world.
IN: "The BBC.....
OUT: ...British values."
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Shadow Culture Secretary, Labour's Chris Bryant accused the government of wanting to make the BBC dramatically smaller. He told the British parliament that the broadcaster should not be ashamed of producing popular programmes.
IN: "The public.....
OUT: ...soap opera."
DUR: 38