What's Charter Review?

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 the process of reviewing the current Charter and funding settlement. The limited length of the Charter allows the Secretary of State an opportunity, every ten years or so, to look carefully at the BBC's role, function and structure. The Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) which is responsible for Charter Review is currently doing this, as our Charter is due for renewal on 31 December 2006.

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 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: that we're genuinely creating public value.

A bit more on our Charter

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 the licence fee. The current Royal Charter expires at the end of 2006.

The Agreement – an agreement between the BBC and the 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.



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. For an overview of the process click here.

What's involved in Charter Review?

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 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."