BBC: Independence

Baroness Deech Excerpts

Monday 6th June 2016 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Deech]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether regulation by Ofcom and government appointments to a unitary board are the best ways of guaranteeing the continued independence of the BBC.

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

My Lords, the new charter will strengthen the independence of the BBC by giving it a powerful new unitary board and allowing it to appoint the majority of board members for the first time. Following the recommendations of the independent review by Sir David Clementi, Ofcom will become the independent regulator of the BBC. It has a track record as a successful media and telecommunications regulator.

[Baroness Deech (CB)]

Does the Minister not appreciate that there can be no independence, or perception of independence, when half or more of the new unitary board members are to be appointed by the Government? That board will have editorial influence. Ofcom does not have the expertise to handle complaints about impartiality and accuracy. Its board members, too, are appointed by the Government and its committees are full of ex-BBC members. Moreover, rule by charter prevents Parliament discussing and settling these matters. Is that not regrettable?

[The Earl of Courtown]

My Lords, I repeat that the majority of board members will be appointed by the BBC. The charter will also set out the independence of the BBC’s director-general as the BBC’s editor-in-chief. Non-executives will be unable to make broadcast decisions. As Sir David Clementi noted in his independent review, there was a general consensus around Ofcom as the BBC’s future regulator.