BBC Charter Review 2026
The BBC’s Royal Charter – the document which allows it to operate Licence Fee funded services – is currently being reviewed by ministers who have set out a range of options for potential reform to how the broadcaster is funded and operates.
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BBC’s Mastermind moves to Northern Ireland following competitive tender
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Last year BBC bosses confirmed the show was one of several returning series previously made in-house to put out to competitive tender in line with undertakings made during its last charter renewal.
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BBC hits Mastermind, Later with Jools Holland and Hootenanny to be offered up to private production firms
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Under the tender process, the BBC retains all Intellectual Property rights for the programmes, which will continue to be shown on the BBC.
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BBC puts Bargain Hunt production contract out to tender
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Under the broadcaster’s Charter it must allow external firms to bid against its in-house production arm, BBC Studios, for the contract to make some of its most popular shows.
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Government confirm Sir David Clementi to be new BBC Chair
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Sir David’s appointment will be confirmed following an appearance before Parliament’s Culture Media and Sport select committee later this month.
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Government confirms BBC must disclose top presenter pay
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The new charter follows publication earlier this year of a Government White Paper setting out reforms of the BBC’s governance which will now be split between a new board and media regulator Ofcom.
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Government sets out new BBC funding and governance arrangements
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While the licence fee will remain and a “new regularised process” for setting the cost will also be introduced, the Government says any new services should be covered by subscription in order to reduce the universal burden placed on licence fee payers.