Charter Review - Frequently asked questions
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How is the BBC set up?
The BBC is founded and operates on the basis of three key documents:
- The Royal Charter – a document defining the BBC’s purpose and remit, outlining its powers and providing for the licence fee. The current Royal Charter expires at the end of 2006.
- The Agreement – an agreement between the BBC and the UK Government, recognising the BBC’s editorial independence and setting out its public obligations in detail. This also expires at the end of 2006.
- Funding Settlement – a detailed agreement on the BBC’s funding. The current funding settlement runs until the end of financial year 2006/07.
What is the BBC’s vision paper?
The BBC’s first major contribution to the Charter Review debate is a document which sets out our vision for the future. This is our equivalent of a Government Green Paper, in that it offers ideas for discussion not final proposals. This will contribute to DCMS’s thinking and the Green Paper they will publish in early 2005.
What if our Charter isn’t renewed?
Without a Royal Charter, the BBC would have to be constituted by other means or it would no longer exist in its present form. The Charter sets out our right to collect the licence fee in the UK and be a public service broadcaster. However Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, has clearly stated that the Government is committed to:
“…the continuation of a strong BBC, independent of Government, both now and in the future”.
Taken from the foreword to the BBC Charter Review consultation, December 2003.
What is Charter Review about?
Charter Review is about the BBC in the 21st Century – how it will work and what it will do.
Why is Charter Review important?
The BBC’s existence is based on its Royal Charter which, among other things, gives us the right to collect a licence fee in return for providing a range of public broadcasting services.
Charter Review is fundamental to the BBC as it looks at every aspect of what we do. It's more than just a process we go through because the UK Government says we should. It’s a valuable opportunity to ensure our efforts and resources are properly focused and that we’re giving all our audiences what they want and need: that we’re making a positive difference to people’s lives.
How long will Charter Review take?
In total the Review will take around three years to complete – it started in late 2003 and will finish at the end of 2006 with the final element (a new Funding Settlement) beginning in March 2007.
What are the important deadlines in Charter Review?
What does Charter Review cover?
The review of the BBC’s Charter is different each time as it depends on the particular circumstances and what Government feels is needed. Tessa Jowell, who is in charge of it this time round, has said:
"I want this Charter Review to be characterised by vigorous and open debate about the kind of BBC we want for the future. The BBC is paid for by the British people and it belongs to them.
"We need to ask ourselves what we want and expect the BBC to deliver; what range and scale of services it should provide; how it should be positioned in relation to the market; how it should be funded and regulated; and whether it delivers good value for money."
What is a Green Paper?
A Green Paper is an outline proposal document used for consultation.
What is a White Paper? How are its conclusions implemented?
A White Paper sets out the Government's intentions for future policy - it says what they intend to do. Once a White Paper has been published, and subject to any further consultation on its contents, the Government will set about implementing its policies.
Who is in charge of Charter Review?
The UK's Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), led by Tessa Jowell.
How does Ofcom fit into Charter Review?
Ofcom is the Office of Communications, the regulator for the UK communications industries. It has responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.
Ofcom is not responsible for the Charter Review process, however, it plays an important part. Ofcom may be called upon by the DCMS to provide advice on Charter-related issues and is entitled to submit its views as part of any consultation process the DCMS runs.
Most importantly, Ofcom fed into the Green Paper process through its current Review of Public Service Television Broadcasting which was completed in late 2004.
They have also laid out a framework for the rationale for public intervention in broadcasting and the implications of the move towards a fully digital UK.
How is the BBC involved in Charter Review?
We’re contributing our thoughts and ideas to the debate, plus we’re canvassing people’s opinions, consulting both internally and externally and generally stimulating and supporting open discussion.
Who runs the BBC's involvement in Charter Review?
The Charter Review process is being led by Caroline Thomson (Director, Policy & Legal) while Carolyn Fairbairn (Director, Strategy & Distribution) has headed the team developing the BBC's vision for the future.
We have a small core team working on Charter Review supported by key people from every division across the BBC.
Why should I take an interest in Charter Review?
Charter Review is relevant to each person in the BBC because the outcome will influence every aspect of our working lives – including what we focus on, who our target audiences are, the approach we need to take, our budget, the rules and guidelines we operate under… the list goes on. Not to take an interest is to opt out of shaping your own future.
Although 2007 feels a long way off, if you want to play a part, now is the time to take notice and have your say.
Does Charter Review matter if I work outside the UK?
The BBC exists because of its Charter, therefore no matter what you do in the BBC or where you work, the Charter is important to you.
The Charter Review process is therefore important for everyone, wherever you work for the BBC around the world and whether you work for one of our public services or commercial operations. That is because without a Royal Charter, the BBC would have to be constituted by other means or it would no longer exist in its present form.
What difference will Charter Review make to me and my team in the short term?
Although our current Charter Review doesn't end until 31 December 2006, you and your team need to be aware of developments which could have an effect on you. All the initiatives which are either underway or being planned reflect the direction in which we hope the BBC will go in the longer term. This means it is important to understand what is happening and to be involved with ideas for the new Charter, as it will impact on what you do and how you do it from 2007.
How can I get involved with Charter Review?
As ideas and proposals for the BBC’s future continue to develop there will be more opportunities to comment and feed in. For example, in the next few months you will be offered the chance to discuss key issues in your monthly team briefing.
You can also talk directly to members of the BBC’s core team for Charter Review.
If you have any further questions or want to send us your comments or thoughts, you can e-mail members of the core team at [email protected].
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