The future of the BBC is up for debate as the government publishes a green paper

The government has published a green paper seeking input on the future of the BBC. Recent scandals,  resignations, high profile multi-billion dollar law suit and continued debate over the licence fee are coming to a head. What might it mean for UK television viewers.

Wha might the future of the BBC look like

From the BBC’s own news piece on the subject, funding is at the heart. The range of options cover a blend of:

— Some sort of licence fee, perhaps means tested

— Some sort of subscription mode, perhaps tiered based on “premium content” with core content remaining free to air (possibly still subject to a licence fee)

— Advertising in some measure.

In terms of impact, it seems to us advertising is the least “BBC-like” of the options, but the global model does seem to be a blend of subscription and or advertising. There’s more to the BBC than just entertainment — its current mission is:

to act in the public interest, serving all audiences through the provision of impartial, high-quality and distinctive output and services which inform, educate and entertain

The organisation is over 100 years old, and Britain in the 21st century is not the same as the one from the start of the 20th. Change seems inevitable.

If you’re keen to share your opinion, here’s the government’s consultation invitation. We await the outcome with interest, particularly for its implications on news, sport and local radio as well as programme creation and broadcast / streaming.