Smith Calls For More BBC Accountability

Culture Secretary Chris Smith has said that the BBC’s governors should be more accountable to ensure that the corporation does not move away from its key role as a public service broadcaster.

Mr Smith said that he wanted to prevent the BBC from being distracted by its growing commercial businesses and a desire to compete with commercial broadcasters for higher audiences. There will now be two meetings per year between the Government and the BBC instead of one, to ensure that the broadcaster is sticking to its remit.

The ITC has also called for the BBC’s commercial activities to be regulated.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport: 0171 211 6200