Members of Parliament criticise the BBC’s decision to redirect £700 million away from London, expressing concerns over impacts on local radio and elder audiences.
The BBC is under scrutiny from Members of Parliament due to concerns about the broadcaster’s strategic shifts in spending and service delivery. The Public Accounts Committee has criticised the BBC for its plan to reallocate £700 million by 2028 from London to other UK regions as part of its Across the UK (ATUK) programme. This redirection focuses on enhancing regional online platforms at the expense of local radio services, a move which has sparked fears of alienating older audiences who predominantly rely on traditional radio broadcasts.
Key points of contention include the perceived lack of a detailed plan for the ATUK programme, with an evaluation only scheduled for 2025, potentially delaying necessary adjustments. MPs have emphasised the need for the BBC to provide transparent reporting and to reevaluate its strategies to better meet the needs of local communities and ensure value for money.
Thomas Wrathmell, the director of the ATUK initiative, has defended the programme, asserting that it aims to diversify the BBC’s creative output and support new talent throughout the UK, ensuring cultural and economic benefits across the regions.
Despite the criticisms, the BBC remains committed to adapting its approach based on feedback from the committee’s report and continues to assert that it will meet its targets to improve services nationwide. Meanwhile, MPs urge tighter oversight to ensure that the broadcaster’s changes do not marginalize specific listener groups, notably the elderly, who might be less able to access digital services.
