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A Commons committee has called for restraint in buying overseas programmes as it presses for wider reform of the BBC’s funding.
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A cross-party House of Commons culture and media committee has urged the BBC not to pay over the odds for overseas programmes, particularly when bidding against commercial UK broadcasters. Its chair, Dame Caroline Dinenage, cited Suits, Schitt’s Creek and Scooby Doo as examples of overseas hits. The MPs said such competition did not offer licence-fee payers value for money. [1]
The BBC said acquired shows account for less than 5% of its content budget, a smaller share than at other broadcasters. It described them as a cost-effective way to attract viewers who may then discover its homegrown programmes. [1]
In its wider report on the BBC’s future, the committee called the licence fee outdated and proposed removing its link to live-TV viewing or a particular device. It also suggested exploring an international TV licence, returning full funding of the BBC World Service to the government, and ending political appointments to the BBC board. These are recommendations, not changes to the broadcaster’s funding or governance. [1]
The government said it would consider the recommendations alongside public and stakeholder views as it plans the next BBC Royal Charter, which will govern the broadcaster from 2028. The BBC welcomed the calls to reform its funding model and return full World Service funding to the government. [1]
1 listed sources · explore evidence, limitations and provenance.
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