The BBC is launching its “biggest ever public engagement exercise” to find out what viewers want from the corporation’s output. The broadcaster says it will poll audiences for what they want to see in terms of content both now and in the future as part of the Our BBC, Our Future questionnaire, ahead of a review of the corporation’s royal charter which will review its funding, mission and public purposes.
The BBC has been in increasingly dire financial straits in recent years due to the licence fee being frozen for two years and then increasing more slowly than expected because of rising inflation. “The BBC belongs to all of us and we all have a say in its future,” director-general Tim Davie said. “By taking part in this short questionnaire, people will be able to tell us what really matters to them and how we can best play our part.” It is hoped that the exercise will attract up to one million responses, as part of its “biggest ever public engagement exercise”.
Tim Davie says the survey will allow BBC audiences to have a say in its future (Image: Getty)
The corporation’s current charter runs until 2027, with audience research and polling expected to occur between 2025 and 2026.
The questions asked of audiences will be the specifics of what families listen to, watch or use, which programmes or content are popular or wanted, and what kind of organisation they want the BBC to be.
They will also be asked to answer queries including “What should the BBC provide overall?”, “How do you feel the BBC is doing now?” and “What should the BBC stand for in its future?”
Last November, culture secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government would review the BBC’s royal charter to consider alternative ways of funding the corporation.
Labour has committed to increasing the licence fee in line with inflation each year until 2027, beginning with a rise from £169.50 to £174.50 in April.
The questionnaire will be live for those with a BBC account until May 29, 2025.
