The Guardian view on the BBC World Service: a boon to the UK, as well as audiences elsewhere | Editorial

R.Years ago, BBC The Arab radio left air waves after decades. Soon after that, the Russian Sputnik service began to broadcast on the frequency he left vacant in Lebanon. This details illuminate a larger image. China, Russia and others see the media that faces essentially for its global aspirations and invested accordingly-pumping advertising to overcome the objective press or drowning independently. These ports are controlled by the state as well as the state.

Meanwhile, conspiracy theories and misleading online multiply, The attacks are intensified on freedom of the press And Trump Administration Dismantling media organizations Including Voice of America and Radio Free Asia (RFA), which were essential sources of information for the masses under repressive systems. The official Chinese media It was wrong In what was called the RFA president, Pay Fang, “a reward for dictators and arguments.”

More BBC World, its accurate reports that bear the deep knowledge of places, are rarely needed. At its best, it is a beacon of truth in times of war and crisis, as well as Transforming life to listeners In countless ways. However, it is already to compete with the competitors of foreigners, who are fully funded by the masses and resources. The government has strengthened its contribution from 2025-26, but it is now asking BBC now Select tens of millions of discounts During the next few years. Since 2014, the global service has been funded primarily through licensing fees. But the government’s contribution is often funded by official development assistance, which It is a cut To increase defense spending. Even the alternative budget, with flat financing remaining in terms of cash, would make deep discounts inevitable when global inflation is more than 4 %.

The global service also faces difficult decisions. Most future users are unlikely to come on radio, but central short wave services remain in some areas and can access listeners even when internet access. The decision of Arab radio services seemed more ruling in the light of wars in Gaza Sudan. He struggles with presidents to balance competing demands to restrict spending and ensure reaching and preserving quality and depth standards. One current pilot is Low budget model in PolishWhich will often be replaced by the current BBC press.

In the long run, the BBC argues that the government You must resume completely Global service financing. This seems more like a negotiating position more than a dangerous possibility. What is completely clear is that it needs more money to compete, not less, and long -term leveling. Its authority depends on the capabilities and institutional memory that it established, and the fact that it does not see that it responds to the necessities of today’s government: it represents the national values, not the political Fiat. All of these are at risk when you should fight throughout the money year after year. Once weakened, it will not recover easily.

The BBC’s research found that it is the most famous in the United Kingdom for cultural export at the international level – before the Premier League and British universities. Hundreds of millions of users More vulnerable to the United KingdomAs well as more likely to support democracy. The global service is valuable assets that cannot be dispensed with. Former Secretary -General of the United Nations Kofi Annan Once described it “Perhaps” the greatest gift in Britain to the world “in the twentieth century. But the donor has rich returns, and it will be foolish to calm them.

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