BBC World Service 2022-11-08
2022-11-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the role of the BBC World Service in countering disinformation and the proposed reduction in its budget.
Does my hon. Friend agree that the BBC World Service plays an ever more important role in countering disinformation, particularly from Russia and elsewhere? Will he therefore look to increase the amount of support that his Department gives to the World Service, and does he share my concern that the BBC is proposing to reduce funding by £28 million with the loss of 10 radio services?
The FCDO greatly values the World Service's role in countering disinformation, particularly President Putin's harmful narratives. It has provided an additional £1.44 million this year to support this work on top of our annual £94 million funding. The changes reflect the BBC's ambition to become a digital-first organisation and audiences will retain access to all 42 language services.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for an increase in departmental support, which was not directly committed to in the answer.
Response accuracy