BBC World Service funding freeze risks opening door to hostile states', MPs say

"Ministers risk opening the door to propaganda from hostile states and diminishing international trust in the BBC World Service by allowing its funding to be frozen at a crucial time. The cross-party public accounts committee said it was deeply troubled by the fact the service was still unclear about its funding just weeks before its current deal runs out."

"This comes as China and Russia are investing between 6bn and 8bn a year in global media, and Donald Trump remains determined to slash public funding for US-backed international media. Trust scores for the Chinese state broadcaster rose from 62% to 70% from 2021 to 2025, with a similar increase for the Russian state broadcaster from 59% to 71%."

"The corporation said the World Service currently reached 313 million people across 43 languages, and the MPs concluded it was a crucial soft power instrument for the UK government. The committee said, however, that trust was being put at risk by poorly evidenced decisions and unclear lines of responsibility."

Parliament's public accounts committee warns that freezing BBC World Service funding threatens Britain's soft power and international credibility at a time when Russian and Chinese state media are rapidly expanding their global reach and influence. The World Service budget has declined 21% in real terms over four years, while China and Russia invest 6-8 billion annually in international media. Trust in Chinese and Russian state broadcasters has increased significantly since 2021, whereas BBC trust remains stable at 78%. The committee expresses concern about unclear funding decisions, poor accountability, and an 11% fall in digital audiences. MPs argue the World Service is crucial for countering propaganda from hostile states and maintaining Britain's international standing.

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