BBC director-general Tim Davie has warned that the corporation must not be defensive, complacent or arrogant as it prepares to unveil a radical plan for the organisation’s future.
In an article written to independent Speaking on the same day as the BBC strategy document was released, the 56-year-old said the agency needed to do more to meet social needs as it faced the potential end of the license fee.
David, who has been the boss of the BBC for the past four years, said the BBC supports and nurtures democracy, while warning of growing global challenges from hostile countries investing heavily in technology to spread disinformation.
But he acknowledged that mistakes had been made, adding that they should not be viewed as “evidence of massive institutional failure.”
The BBC has been embroiled in a series of controversies since taking over as director-general, including a decision not to call Hamas militants “terrorists”, the suspension of Gary Lineker last year and an investigation finding that Martin Martin Bashir violated editorial conduct to obtain information. A 1995 interview with Princess Diana.
“It is right for the BBC that as the world changes, so should our contribution to the country,” Mr Davey wrote in his article. independent.
“Our mission has always been to inform, educate and entertain everyone, but we believe we can do more to directly respond to the needs of today’s society and the common challenges we face now.
“Recently, a politician stated that the BBC had no ‘God-given right to exist’. I agree. I know that any sense of complacency, defensiveness or arrogance can put an institution fatally distanced from those it serves. Only if it has a positive impact on society , we can be important and relevant.”
The strategy is expected to rebuild online services, invest in projects and boost business revenue.
This could include new partnerships with global groups, with the recent deal with Disney to screen Doctor Who seen as a sign of the way forward.
At the same time, long-running programs could be cut and more jobs could be lost, particularly at TV channels and radio stations.
Mr Davy is under pressure to balance the BBC’s books, which will increase the license fee to £159 in April, below the rate of inflation, after freezing it for two years.
The current license fee agreement is due to expire at the end of 2027, and in March the government appointed a panel to look at alternatives to the financing agreement.
Earlier this year, Culture Minister Lucy Fraser said the company “needs to adapt” to the changes or risk “losing the trust of the audiences it relies on”.
Mr Davey wrote: “The BBC will prioritize three clear roles over the coming years.
“We will pursue the truth without any agenda through fearless and impartial reporting. We will support the best British storytelling by investing in home-grown talent and creativity. We will connect everyone to unmissable content by People gather together.
“By focusing on these three roles and working with partners like never before, we aim to deliver important benefits to the public and the country at a critical time.”
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