Mumbai : The BBC is planning a major expansion of its World Service which will include increased digital and mobile offerings for India as well as a radio news service for North Korea.
The proposals, to be announced by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) director general Tony Hall by today (7th September), are likely to include a satellite TV service for Russian speakers and a daily radio news programme for North Korea.
There are also plans to beef up the BBC Arabic service to offer more regional content, with increased coverage of North Africa and the Middle East.
“This is about Britain’s place in the world. It is above the politics of the debates about the BBC’s future. It has to be a national priority. Other news outlets are growing globally and many do not share our traditions and values.
“We have a strong commitment to uphold global democracy through accurate, impartial and independent news. There should no longer be any no-go countries for the World Service,” a BBC source told the ‘Guardian’.
The proposals include looking at a satellite TV service for Russian speakers or ramping up digital presence on YouTube or Rutube, the Russian equivalent, and TV bulletins for neighbouring eastern European states.
Besides India, digital content is also set to be hiked for the Nigerian market.
The BBC World Service is to seek financial support from the UK government for the expansion.
The BBC will offer to match any increase in public funding for the World Service if it can be allowed to more heavily- commercialise its Global News operation outside the UK, which generates more than 100 million pounds in revenues annually from sources including advertising and sponsorship.
Earlier this year, the BBC released its ‘Future of News’ report, which warned the government that cuts to the World Service would reduce the UK’s global “soft power” in the face of the growth of rivals such as RT and Al Jazeera.
“The World Service faces a choice between decline and growth,” the report said.
“If the UK wants the BBC to remain valued and respected, an ambassador of Britain’s values and an agent of soft power in the world, then the BBC is going to have to commit to growing the World Service and the government will have to recognise this.”
