Public could have their say on future of BBC license fee via online vote
BBC director general Lord Hall has staked the future of the license fee, lifeblood of the broadcasters operations, on the loyalty of its viewers by calling for the public to be given a say in how much they would be willing to pay for their favourite programming.
In a speech later tonight Hall is expected to propose a ‘dual lock’ on decision making which would hand greater responsibility to public and parliament in an effort to dilute the authority of ministers, following chancellor George Osborne’s insistence that the BBC stump up £750m to cover the cost of free TV licenses to the over 75’s.
In tandem with ensuring that ‘fundamental changes’ are not given the green light ‘without reference to the public’ via an online vote Hall is also calling for new laws ensuring that a two thirds majority in parliament would also be required.
Quoting a draft of his speech The Times quoted Hall as saying: “When I was working in news and current affairs in the 1990s, the independence of the BBC was protected by a set of quiet customs and traditions. When I returned to the BBC as director-general, I was struck by a major change. The foundations of the BBC’s independence had become weaker. The traditions and informal arrangements which protected it had been eroded.”
“First, the licence fee was spent on things that were not directly to do with broadcasting: on digital switchover; on rural broadband and local TV. Then twice it was settled without a full process.”
The BBC is currently positioning itself ahead of its charter renewal at the end of next year although it is not thought likely that any of the proposals will come to pass.