The BBC appears set for a radical overhaul to make it more transparent and accountable after a series of scandals under plans being considered by Labour.
The Government is considering targeted changes to the BBC’s governance and decision-making arrangements, according to a new public consultation.
Britain’s Story: The Next Chapter – the BBC Royal Charter review – is also examining proposals to strengthen transparency and accountability across the organisation.
While the consultation signals a clear intention to reform the broadcaster, critics say the BBC’s recent controversies highlight the need for more fundamental changes, with concerns that current proposals may not yet go far enough to address deeper, systemic issues.
In response, Defund the BBC Campaign Director Rebecca Ryan told GB News the consultation shows “ministers are effectively acknowledging that the current governance model isn’t fit for purpose”.
She said: “The focus is now on whether the BBC can be reshaped to better reflect public expectations.
“Too often the institution has been defended rather than challenged to change.
“If Government is serious about reforming the BBC’s governance, it must look beyond limited adjustments and address the core issue of a state-backed broadcaster that largely answers to itself while enforcing payment through criminal sanctions.”
The BBC Royal Charter review is also examining proposals to strengthen transparency and accountability across the organisation
|
GETTY
Ms Ryan added: “Decriminalisation of the licence fee is the bare minimum. Anything less risks protecting the existing system rather than fixing what isn’t working.”
Since Labour came to power in June 2024, the taxpayer-funded public broadcaster has faced a series of controversies.
These include a ruling by regulator Ofcom that it committed a “serious breach” after the son of a Hamas official was employed as a narrator on a documentary about Gaza.
This was followed by the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness after a Panorama programme edited footage of President Donald Trump.
Lisa Nandy has launched a review into the BBC’s funding model
|
GB NEWSThe edits spliced together clips to show him saying: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and I’ll be there with you. And we fight, we fight like hell.”
This prompted Mr Trump to file a $5billion (£3.7billion) defamation claim against the BBC.
Responding, Nigel Huddleston, Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, said: “Given the controversies of recent years, including questions around impartiality in news and current affairs, it is right that the charter review addresses transparency, accountability and trust.
“However, the green paper and consultation are limited in scope, excluding important considerations such as the size, scale and range of the BBC’s output, as well as alternative funding models.
“That narrows the review and reduces how comprehensive it could be.
“There are systemic problems at the BBC which require a root-and-branch review.”
Mr Huddleston added: “The BBC now faces a multi-billion-pound lawsuit, and even responding to the case will cost taxpayers millions.
“This underlines the importance of the broadcaster adhering to its charter requirements.”
A Reform UK spokesman also told The People’s Channel: “The BBC has been institutionally biased for decades, and the evidence is undeniable.
“The number of TV licences peaked at 26.2 million in 2018 and has fallen every year since.
“Reform UK would pursue a fundamental overhaul of a national broadcaster that is increasingly unsustainable in its current form.”
The TV licence is set to rise to more than £180 later this year.
The cost increased to £174.50 in April 2025 for a colour television licence, a £5 rise from 2024.
GB News has approached the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for comment.