| MUMBAI:
Change is round the corner for the UK pubcaster with the BBC Trust determined
to drive this through. In
an open letter to BBC License Fee payers, BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons
says that the BBC is a great public institution. Historically it has embraced
change and adapted to serve the public interest in still better ways.
"We want to
make sure that this tradition continues; that the BBC moves forward now, in the
right shape and size, working closely with others to act as a trusted and valued
guide in the next phase of digital development; but that it does this firmly from
the position of securing the public interest as its priority.
"We
want a BBC that is smarter, more efficient and no bigger than it needs to be.
Above all, a BBC that maintains its independence, continues to be a trusted source
of impartial news, produces great output and meets the high expectations you have
of it," Lyons states in the letter. Lyons
notes that the seismic shifts currently taking place in the economy and in technology
require the Trust to think bigger, even though it may mean the BBC becoming smaller.
"Through this review my colleagues and I will be looking to the Director
General and his team to deliver just that," he said. The
Trust’s first ambition is to ensure the BBC delivers public value in the
way the public want. "I completely agree with those who say we should trust
the public more and let them drive what they get from their broadcasters. You
tell us that you want a strong, independent BBC and are willing to pay for it.
Equally, you are clear that you expect good value and don’t want us to take
the licence fee for granted," Lyons said. The
second ambition is to recognise the wider environment in which the BBC operates
and the fact that a healthy media industry, with a range of high-quality public
service content, is good for everyone. The BBC has a role to play in supporting
this, but that must not impinge on its ability to fulfil its public purposes. The
Trust has underlined its willingness to help meet the challenges and opportunities
that the industry faces. "But in doing this we must put the interests of
licence fee payers first. Based on emerging findings from our new survey research,
the Trust believes that if, in future licence fee settlements, there was money
the BBC did not need, the public would not want it hived off and given to other
media outlets," lyons said. BBC
Trust's research offered six possible options for what should happen to the licence
fee once current spending on digital switchover is complete. "Around half
of those asked would prefer the licence fee to be lowered by £5.50, compared
to just six per cent who wanted additional money to be spent on regional news
on other channels," Lyons added. | 
