Colin Browne, Chair of the Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV), discusses what the BBC Charter review means for the future of public service broadcasting in the UK, and why it’s vital that ordinary licence fee payers respond to the government’s consultation by midnight on Tuesday 12 March. Step by step, we explore where VLV supports or challenges the BBC’s own proposals on independence, funding, public accountability and participation in BBC decision making. We also look at how well the BBC is serving “at-risk” public service genres such as religion, the arts and children’s content—especially now that Ofcom’s monitoring role has been diluted.

PLEASE take part in the consultation. Links to the consultation and suggested answers below.

This is the link to the government's consultation:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/britains-story-the-next-chapter-the-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultation/britains-story-the-next-chapter-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultation#:~:text=The%20current%20Charter%20came%20into,the%20next%20decade%20and%20beyond.

This is a list of organisations we have interviewed over the last few years and their suggested answers:

VOICE OF THE LISTENER AND VIEWER

https://vlv.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/BBC-Charter-Review-Consultation.pdf

BRITISH BROADCASTING CHALLENGE

https://britishbroadcastingchallenge.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BBC-Charter-Consultation-Suggested-Answers.pdf

THE CHILDREN’S MEDIA FOUNDATION

https://www.thechildrensmediafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CMF-bbc_charter_response-final.pdf

SANDFORD ST MARTIN TRUST

The Sandford St Martin Trust: https://sandfordawards.org.uk/religion-and-the-future-of-the-bbc-have-your-say/

CAMPAIGN FOR THE ARTS

https://www.campaignforthearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/A-Stage-for-the-Nation.pdf

BBC WAC (Written Archives Centre) CAMPAIGN

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n5aXNHY6D5dq9elIYUdLfh9XG_T9AMki/view

MEDIA REFORM COALITION

https://www.mediareform.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Alternative-Green-Paper-March-2026.pdf

INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING TRUST urges the BBC to maintain its commitment to international news but to broaden the range of stories covered, and also to give its non-news content a more international flavour

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Rabbi Jonathan Romain discusses how Britain’s Jewish communities are represented in UK media, particularly the BBC, against the backdrop of the current Middle East crisis. We examine the diversity of opinion among British Jews on Israel and the Netanyahu government, the meaning and use of the term "Zionism", and the distinction between criticism of Israel and antisemitism.

We also explore the rising reports of antisemitic incidents in the UK, the impact of events in the Middle East on community relations, the development of interfaith work between Jews and Muslims, and the level of religious literacy within BBC newsrooms and public service broadcasting more widely.

Have your say in the government's consultation by 10 March: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/britains-story-the-next-chapter-the-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultation/britains-story-the-next-chapter-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultation

Suggested answers:

British Broadcasting Challenge: https://britishbroadcastingchallenge.com/

The Sandford St Martin Trust: https://sandfordawards.org.uk/religion-and-the-future-of-the-bbc-have-your-say/

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@BeebRoger

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LinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch

email: [email protected]

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Greg Childs, director of the Children’s Media Foundation, discusses the decline of traditional children’s television in the UK, the rise of YouTube and TikTok as children’s primary viewing platforms, and what this shift could mean for public service broadcasting.

We explore how changes to advertising rules and algorithms are transforming the economics and nature of children’s content, the BBC’s new deal with YouTube, and the growing debate over whether regulation should aim to “build better” online spaces or restrict children’s access to social media.

Have your say in the government's consultation by 10 March: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/britains-story-the-next-chapter-the-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultation/britains-story-the-next-chapter-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultation

Suggested answers:

British Broadcasting Challenge: https://britishbroadcastingchallenge.com/

The Sandford St Martin Trust: https://sandfordawards.org.uk/religion-and-the-future-of-the-bbc-have-your-say/

Listen to all our episodes here: https://podfollow.com/beebwatch

To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership

@beebwatch.bsky.social

@BeebRoger

Instagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatch

LinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch

email: [email protected]

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Jamie Angus, former Director of the BBC World Service, discusses the ethical and editorial dilemmas of BBC reporting from Iran under strict conditions and the funding crisis facing the World Service. We also explore his new Henry Jackson Society report to the Public Accounts Committee, setting out a future for the BBC World Service focused on shifting audience priorities, digital distribution, and new revenue ideas from AI licensing to commercialising BBC Monitoring.

Have your say in the government's consultation by 10 March: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/britains-story-the-next-chapter-the-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultation/britains-story-the-next-chapter-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultation

Suggested answers:

British Broadcasting Challenge: https://britishbroadcastingchallenge.com/

The Sandford St Martin Trust: https://sandfordawards.org.uk/religion-and-the-future-of-the-bbc-have-your-say/

Listen to all our episodes here: https://podfollow.com/beebwatch

To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership

@beebwatch.bsky.social

@BeebRoger

Instagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatch

LinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch

email: [email protected]

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Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, discusses how the UK’s move towards a digital‑first media landscape could affect viewers and listeners. We explore what is meant by digital poverty in the UK today, the startling numbers affected, and what the impact could be if traditional broadcast TV (including Freeview) is switched off around 2034 – and how that might affect radio too. What could this mean for access to news, information and entertainment?

We examine the relationship between internet connectivity, affordability and basic digital skills – and how that shapes the debate on different options for funding the BBC, and its claim to be a universal public service broadcaster in an online‑only world. We also consider the role of MPs, government and industry in developing a serious digital inclusion strategy and ensuring people are not left behind.

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@BeebRoger

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LinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch

email: [email protected]

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Phil Riley is one of commercial radio’s most experienced executives, former chief executive of Chrysalis Radio and now co‑founder and chief executive of Boom Radio, the station created for Britain’s baby boomers. We discuss current ideas for funding the BBC – including proposals around BBC Sounds and a possible “radio licence” – and what they could mean for both the BBC and commercial radio.

We also explore the wider future of radio and public service broadcasting, including the growth of podcasts, streaming and small‑scale DAB, the implications for radio of the proposed 2034 switch‑off of digital terrestrial television, and the changing role of BBC Local Radio and local journalism.

“Of all the heritage mainstream media, radio is in the best shape of all of them in terms of its ability to survive.”

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Rob Crilly, former Chief US Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail Online, now author of the “Washington Secrets” newsletter at the Washington Examiner, joins us again one year on to assess Donald Trump’s first year in office. We talk about covering a president who sets the agenda via late-night tweets, how the White House manages access and mixes up the briefing room, and what it means for organisations such as the BBC to face a billion‑dollar lawsuit and accusations of “fake news”.

We explore Trump’s impact on legacy and public service media (from the BBC to NPR, PBS and Voice of America), the strategy of aggressive denial and attack, the use of leaks and loyalty tests inside the administration, and the growing business and political pressures on newsrooms from CBS to the Washington Post. We also examine Trump’s personal enrichment and conflicts of interest, whether American democracy and its institutions are strong enough to withstand him, and why Rob believes last weekend’s events in Minnesota could prove a pivotal moment in his presidency.

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email: [email protected]

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Lee Edwards, Professor of Strategic Communications and Public Engagement at the London School of Economics, and Chair of the Media Reform Coalition, discusses in detail the government’s green paper on the BBC’s future: the consultation process and timetable; proposed changes to BBC funding—including the possibility of a household levy; principles of universality and public service; and questions about government involvement in BBC governance.

We also examine the balance between public purpose and commercial pressures, the BBC’s role in local media, ideas for public engagement and accountability, and consider the funding of the BBC World Service. There is also practical advice on how listeners can respond to the consultation and join the wider debate.

The problem is the lack of funding. That does not have to be resolved by advertising or subscription. The lack of funding is about the British government and public’s willingness to buy into and support a substantial public service media organisation.

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email: [email protected]

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Sir Max Hastings, historian and former editor of the Daily Telegraph and London Evening Standard, discusses Donald Trump’s attack on the BBC, the roots of hostility toward the broadcaster, and the impact of ongoing financial cuts—including what the BBC should prioritise. We also explore editorial challenges, leadership dilemmas, the vital role of the World Service, media coverage of the Middle East, and the future of public service journalism. Drawing on his long career, Sir Max offers candid reflections and opinions on where British media must go next.

“I haven’t been allowed to write about Gaza or about what’s going on in Israel by several major British newspapers - and I have asked to do so - because my views would be unacceptable. That it is terribly depressing.”

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Michael Delahaye, veteran BBC journalist and author of "After the Fall: The Battle to Save Independent Media in the Post-Soviet World," joins us to share his firsthand experiences supporting independent journalism across Russia and the former Soviet republics. 

We discuss the challenges faced by journalists in a country without a history of independent journalism, the impact of Putin, the lack of a media market, the role of the West, the significance of the BBC World Service and the ongoing fight for media freedom in increasingly autocratic environments.

“I did find, quite surprised me, that a lot of these young journalists thought, “Hold on,” they were saying to me, “But, but look, you know, this is a time of transition. We do have a patriotic duty here, and, you know, we should actually aid the transition. It’s all very fine going attack dogs against authority, but we've got to bear in mind that this is, quote, an emerging democracy. It is fragile.”

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@BeebRoger

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