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

A UK parliamentary committee has warned that freezing funding for the BBC World Service risks diminishing its global influence and opening the door for propaganda from hostile states like Russia and China. The committee expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the World Service's funding, especially as its current deal nears expiration. MPs highlighted that the World Service's budget has already decreased significantly in recent years, while state-backed media from China and Russia are investing heavily and gaining trust. The committee also noted a decline in the World Service's digital audiences and criticized the BBC for failing to adequately justify its spending decisions. They emphasized the World Service's importance as a soft power tool for the UK and urged the BBC to demonstrate the value of taxpayer investment in the service.

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