Professor Steven Barnett, Professor of Communication at the University of Westminster, has been appointed as a Specialist Adviser to the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for its inquiry into the BBC Royal Charter Review. The Committee will examine the future purpose, governance and funding of the BBC ahead of the new Royal Charter in 2028 and will make recommendations to the Government.
The BBC Royal Charter, which sets out how the broadcaster is run and regulated, is reviewed every ten years. The latest review process began in December 2025, with the Government launching a public consultation alongside a Green Paper outlining initial proposals.
The Select Committee’s inquiry will inform recommendations to the Government ahead of a White Paper expected by the end of this year. Professor Barnett will provide expert advice to Committee members as they consider the future direction of the BBC and the next Charter, due to come into effect in 2028.
As a leading authority in media policy and public service broadcasting, Professor Barnett has contributed to several influential discussions on the future of British television. Most recently, he was part of a Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) panel which examined the future of TV distribution and options for extending or switching off over-the-air reception for digital television. The Government is expected to issue a consultation on the future of Digital Terrestrial Television within the next few weeks.
About the appointment Professor Barnett said: “The BBC is one of Britain’s most enduring and vital institutions. Given the scale and pace of change in the media industries, this is a defining moment in its 100-year history. I’m delighted to have been appointed to this advisory post, and very much look forward to helping the committee gather evidence and make constructive recommendations to government to safeguard the BBC’s future.”
Professors 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.
Find out more about Media and Communication courses at the University of Westminster.
Related articles
