BBC Charter Review process begins

The public have been invited to give their views on the accountability, commercial activities and future direction of the BBC.
The public consultation, which will give people the chance to put their views directly to Ministers at meetings across the UK, is the first stage in the review of the BBC's Royal Charter - a document that shapes the corporation, setting out general aims and functions. The Charter is up for review by January 1
2007.
Launching the consultation, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell stressed the importance of the BBC to both the world of broadcasting and the wider public - in particular she praised the "gold standard" in news coverage that people trusted.
She said that the unique challenge of this Charter Review is that it is taking place at a time of rapid technological change – nearly 50% of homes now have access to digital TV.
Ms Jowell continued: "Rapid change means that we must consider how the BBC should be adapted for the future. The one certain outcome of the review will be a strong BBC, with the courage to be editorially autonomous and independent from government."
The BBC welcomed the start of the Charter Review process and announced that they would complement this consultation with their own programme of events to stimulate wide debate about the BBC's future among all audiences.
Director-General Greg Dyke said: "We are pleased that the Secretary of State is committed to the continuation of a strong, independent BBC and that she recognises that the BBC plays a unique role in defining what Britain is as a nation.
"Given the changes we are witnessing in both technology and society we also believe she is right to stress in the document that Charter Review will be both complex and significant.
"The Secretary of State is asking interesting and challenging questions and we look forward to an open and rigorous debate in which, of course, the BBC will be playing its full part."
A consultation document – The Review of the BBC's Royal Charter - sets out a list of key questions to prompt discussion about the BBC's role, structure and function.
Members of the public and other stakeholders are being invited to send in their views on these issues, and any others, to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by email or post.
Helping stimulate debate, an information leaflet, entitled Your BBC, Your Say, will be available in public libraries and a dedicated website giving further information is being launched today.
(GMcG/GB)