BBC World Service to get extra 11m a year in deal ending funding uncertainty

"In a world of rising disinformation, the BBC World Service provides hundreds of millions with journalism they can trust and rely on. She said its importance had become even greater in countries such as Iran. Despite the BBC being banned there, one in four people sought out access to it before the internet shutdowns in January that followed protests against the Iranian regime."

"The broadcaster's executives have warned that cuts have already had to be made to the service, even as China and Russia increase their global media spending. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the World Service deal would take its total funding 42% higher than in 2024-25."

The UK government has agreed to increase funding for the BBC World Service by £11 million per year over three years, representing an 8% increase from the previous allocation. This decision follows government recognition that the service is essential for countering rising global disinformation. The funding deal ends uncertainty about the service's future, though BBC insiders note the increase will only match inflation, resulting in effectively flat funding by the settlement's end. The FCDO's total funding for the World Service will be 42% higher than in 2024-25. The BBC continues advocating for the government to assume all World Service costs. Executives have warned that cuts have already been necessary despite increased media spending from China and Russia. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the service's critical role in providing trustworthy journalism to hundreds of millions globally, particularly in countries like Iran where the BBC remains banned but highly sought after.

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