BBC World Service Objectives, Priorities and Targets

(Limited Text - Ministerial Extracts only)

Thursday 16th April 2026 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Chris Elmore)]

The Foreign Secretary has agreed with the BBC the objectives, priorities and targets for the BBC World Service for 2025–26, as required under the BBC framework agreement. The OPTs, which the BBC publishes in the World Service operating licence, include measures of reach, quality, impact and value for money. The BBC retains full editorial and managerial independence in delivering the World Service. The OPTs signal continued focus on underserved audiences, including women and young people, and on growing digital reach including on BBC owned platforms. This agreement is distinct from ongoing work with the BBC to strengthen oversight and assurance arrangements. The BBC will publish the updated World Service operating licence and OPTs on its website.

[HCWS1523]