Steven Barnett, Professor of Communications at the University of Westminster, advised a House of Commons select committee for its newly published report into the BBC. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee conducted a six-month inquiry and their report BBC Royal Charter Review explores new funding options for the BBC. It also examines new governance options to safeguard the BBC’s independence and the BBC’s role as critical national infrastructure in a world increasingly dominated by tech platforms, social media and artificial intelligence.
Published on 1 October, the report draws on 98 written submissions and eight oral evidence sessions that brought together broadcasting executives, journalists, screenwriters, academics, policymakers and representatives from across the media industry.
It comes at a critical moment for the broadcaster’s long-term future, ahead of the expiry of its current Royal Charter at the end of 2027 and in the midst of rapid changes in audience behaviour driven by streaming services, social media and video-sharing platforms.
Among its key recommendations, the report calls on the government to reform the television licence fee so that it is no longer linked to owning a television set, while keeping the option of a household levy under consideration as a longer-term funding model. It also supports expanding the BBC’s presence on platforms such as YouTube and developing BBC iPlayer into a shared platform that could feature content from other public service broadcasters.
It also recommends making the BBC’s Royal Charter permanent, with regular reviews of its funding and public purposes, and ending political appointments to the BBC Board to strengthen its independence.
The Committee further recommends that the government revert to full funding of the BBC World Service and that the BBC be given two new public purposes focused on tackling disinformation, and on promoting innovation in new technologies.
Professor Barnett’s contribution draws on his expertise in media policy and regulation, political communication, and the theory and practice of journalism. He has previously been engaged several times as specialist adviser to the House of Lords select committee on Communications and Digital, and in 2025 was appointed to the DCMS panel on the future of TV distribution.
Professor Barnett has contributed to public discussion about the future of the BBC, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Feedback programme and joining a Social Media Foundation panel at the Labour Party Conference, where he reflected on the BBC’s contribution to the UK’s creative industries and its vital role in training and nurturing talent across the digital industries.
Speaking about the select committee enquiry and its recommendations, Professor Barnett said: “This is a very significant report at a critical moment in BBC history, as the government considers both a new Charter and a new funding model for the BBC that will see it through a period of huge technological change. It was a privilege to be able to assist the committee in its deliberations during this inquiry, and I hope the government will look very carefully at the report’s conclusions and recommendations when it comes to finalising its proposals for the BBC’s future later this year.”
Professor Barnett’s work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Read the full BBC Royal Charter Review.
Find out more about Media and Communication courses at the University of Westminster.
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