12
Accepted
Some language services serve smaller or harder to reach audiences, often in countries where media...
Conclusion
Some language services serve smaller or harder to reach audiences, often in countries where media freedom is low and reliable news is difficult to access, therefore their reach is lower and they can appear higher-cost on simple cost per user measures, yet they meet the highest need audiences.27 The BBC explained that it assessed audience need by considering fragility, conflict and repression, and it noted that radio or traditional services must be retained in markets such as Afghanistan and parts of the francophone Africa. It gave an example of Afghanistan, where education output for girls on radio and TV in Dars language had provided one of the only reliable sources of learning and trusted news.28 19 C&AG’s Report, paras 2, 1.16 20 C&AG’s Report, para 14 21 C&AG’s Report, para 1.3, Fig 2 22 Q 55 23 Q 41 24 Q 24 25 Q7; C&AG’s Report, paras 2.13-2.14 26 Q 32 27 Qq 10-11; C&AG’s Report, paras 1.7, 2.4 28 Q 10 10 Tracking progress on digital transformation
Government Response Summary
The BBC agrees with the committee's observation, committing to new planning cycles and digital transformation. It will ensure that digital transformation does not compromise the ability to reach key audiences in markets of greatest need, including women, while strengthening digital performance globally.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The BBC agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2026 3.2 New annual and three-year planning cycles are now being put in place for the World Service, with formal annual and quarterly business reviews running globally and in the regions. 3.3 The need for accelerated digital transformation is being consistently communicated to teams - including in the setting and communication of digital targets. The dashboard for digital reporting has been redesigned. The three-year plan has clearly articulated the strategic goals around digital transformation and migration of audiences from traditional TV and radio audiences to digital platforms in all regions. A cross-organisational initiative has been developed to significantly improve the BBC’s reach amongst women on digital platforms. This has shown strong results, with 11 million more women consuming the World Service since the formal launch of the initiative in November 2026. More comprehensive market reviews are being carried out to ensure digital maturity and readiness, ensuring that in markets of greatest need, digital transformation does not come at the cost of being able to reach key audiences. 3.4 Digital platform and format training and expertise sharing are continuing apace. In the latest fiscal period (following the start of the new regional governance structure, and after the period examined by the NAO), digital performance has strengthened substantially. The latest available digital data estimate for financial year 2025-26 shows a significant 36% increase in World Service global digital growth. As per the Global Audience Measure (2025), World Service digital reach (131 million) is greater than that of either TV (103 million) or radio (127 million). The full implementation of the regional governance model, along with the planning cycle and communication improvements, will ensure that digital performance is equally strong in each of the six regions.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Inquiry
BBC World Service 2024-25
Report
72nd Report - BBC World Service
13 Mar 2026
HC 1299
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.4 yrs
Report published
13 Mar 2026