Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Whittingdale and Daniel Zeichner

Thursday 21st April 2016 Commons Chamber

[Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) (Lab)]

13. What his policy is on reforming governance of the BBC.

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr John Whittingdale)]

The Clementi review reported on the governance and regulation of the BBC on 1 March 2016. Sir David’s ideas for the principles of simpler governance structures and streamlined regulatory arrangements that have public interest and market sensitivity at their heart are ones that it would be difficult for this, or indeed any, Government to overlook. The Government hope to set out plans for the future of BBC governance in a White Paper next month.

[Daniel Zeichner]

A recent YouGov poll commissioned by 38 Degrees, which is doubtless the Government’s favourite campaigning organisation, showed that 62% of over-60s had no confidence in the Government to protect the BBC during charter renewal, and that more than half of them felt that the BBC was the most trusted source of news. In the light of that, how can increasing the level of government control over appointments to the new board possibly increase confidence in the independence of the BBC?

[Mr Whittingdale]

We do take the views of 38 Degrees, and, indeed, all others who have submitted responses to our consultation, seriously. Certainly, the BBC’s reputation for integrity and impartiality is one of the key things to protect and enhance as a result of the charter renewal. In terms of governance, Sir David Clementi made very specific proposals about this. It is a matter that we are currently discussing with the BBC, and I hope that we will be able to announce agreement about that in due course.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Whittingdale and Daniel Zeichner

Thursday 3rd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) (Lab)]

2. What assessment he has made of the economic and cultural benefits to the UK of public service broadcasting.

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr John Whittingdale)]

Public service broadcasting is the powerhouse of the UK’s world-class television industry. In 2014, public service broadcasters invested £2.5 billion in original TV content, and accounted for over half of all TV viewing.

[Daniel Zeichner]

I have had representations from hundreds of constituents in Cambridge who are concerned about the future of the BBC. They are overwhelmingly supportive and positive. We now have the results of the consultation and more than three-fifths of respondents were in favour of continuing with the current funding system. Will the Secretary of State give an assurance that there will be no further top-slicing of the licence fee?

[Mr Whittingdale]

I hope to be able to update the House on our progress on the renewal of the charter in due course. We are taking all the responses seriously and taking them fully into account. We have already agreed with the BBC that one of the top-slices of the licence fee—the additional amount that is taken for broadband—will come to an end in 2020.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Whittingdale and Daniel Zeichner

Thursday 9th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) (Lab)]

4. What assessment he has made of the BBC’s financial capability to broadcast listed sports events in preparing for discussions on the BBC’s next charter renewal and future funding.

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr John Whittingdale)]

This will be among the many issues up for consideration as part of the charter review, and I shall be making an announcement about the review in due course.

[Daniel Zeichner]

The Secretary of State will be aware that Ofcom is currently reviewing who is entitled to broadcast listed events. We are in Wimbledon fortnight, and the whole country is united in watching this great event, but with the BBC so financially constrained, how can he assure people that the whole country, regardless of ability to pay, will be able to follow the dramas and successes of British sports people in the future?

[Mr Whittingdale]

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that we maintain a list of events that are required to be shown on free-to-air television, and the Wimbledon tennis finals are on that list. The non-finals matches are on the B list, which ensures that secondary coverage is protected. It is ultimately a matter for the sport, however, as to whom it sells the rights to.