The Process

The review of our current Charter was formally announced at the end of 2003 by Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport. It started with a public consultation by the DCMS based around a set of questions about the BBC. This was completed on 31 March 2004. The BBC, along with all other interested groups and individuals, contributed fully to the debate, the results of which are on the DCMS website and summarised in their 'What you said about the BBC' document.

Between now and December 2006 the DCMS will be considering all the issues in great detail and will continue to consult experts in a range of fields, representatives of the broadcasting and other industries and the wider public.

The consultation has already taken several forms. For example Lord Burns, the Secretary of State's independent adviser on Charter Review, and his independent panel (DCMS press release), hosted a series of seminars. These provided for structured debate on a range of key issues.

The research and consultation the Government has done so far has also provided important input to their Green Paper, as have other reviews, like Ofcom's review of public service television, Philip Graf's review of BBC Online and the independent reviews of the BBC's new digital TV and radio services.

During 2005 there will be more public consultation. Also an ad hoc Select Committee will consider some of the issues and the House of Commons Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport is conducting its own inquiry.

The final stage begins with the publication by the DCMS of a White Paper around late 2005, which will be subject to full Parliamentary scrutiny and involve further consultation before it becomes the basis for a new Royal Charter and Agreement.

Throughout the Charter Review process we'll continue to contribute fully. Within the BBC, people will be kept informed and offered opportunities to have their say – for example through the Shape our Future sessions which took place in September 2004 and everyone is welcome to take part directly in the DCMS consultations.

For explanations of the terminology used in the Charter Review process try thejargon buster.