BBC BOARD OF GOVERNORS ACCOUNT FOR BUSINESS

THE BBC Board of Governors recently published their account of business at their November meeting.
The Governors discussed the BBC’s long-term budget strategy, including the allocation of spending across Divisions. The Board asked management to analyse the implications of the proposed budget for the allocation of spend by programme genre. The Board also assessed the options for delivering more investment in the BBC’s public services over and above licence fee income.
The BBC’s accommodation in Birmingham in the context of the BBC’s strategy of making their buildings more accessible to the public and providing both pleasant and efficient environments for their staff was also discussed by the Governors. Given the BBC’s commitment to maintaining a high-profile programme-making presence in Birmingham, the Board acknowledged concern about the state of the Pebble Mill site and agreed also to explore in detail other alternative options including a city centre site.
The Director of News reported to the Board on the performance of the ‘Ten O’Clock News’ on BBC One. Performance to date was seen by the Board as encouraging, since audiences for the News and for ‘Newsnight’ have been higher than during the comparable period last year. However, the Board recognised that it was too early to judge the success of the move.
Public consultation on the BBC’s proposed curriculum was discussed by the Governors. The response demonstrated strong support for the BBC’s proposal from respondents, which included individuals, schools and other organisations in the education field. A full report on the consultation will be published when the BBC approaches the Secretary of State regarding the new service.
Other items discussed included: the World Service strategy; progress on the Government’s Communications Review, which is expected soon; a report on complaints received; the BBC’s overall financial position; a report from the Governors’ Programme Complaints Committee, and the minutes of a number of advisory bodies including the Broadcasting Councils for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, the English National Forum and the BBC London Advisory Council.
(CD)