Negotiations over funding for the BBC's World Service have intensified as the government seeks to impose cuts. Although the BBC successfully lobbied for additional funds last year, this time the proposed reductions could force closures of critical language stations. The importance of the World Service in promoting Britain's soft power is highlighted, yet budget scenarios suggest potential deficits. Executives warn that failing to secure appropriate funding could significantly diminish their ability to deliver independent news globally, undermining their impact in regions of strategic interest.
The government is asking the World Service to model cuts that would definitely mean having to close important parts of the service, said one person familiar with the negotiations.
When it comes to international impact and influence, the BBC World Service is the UK's most powerful asset.
Each scenario would see the budget fall behind inflation, and could mean it ends up to 70m short of what its bosses believe it needs.
BBC chiefs warned the government that if the cuts were imposed on them, they would have to close several language stations in parts of the world.
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