The BBC’s Royal Charter serves as the BBC’s constitution and mission statement. The Charter requires the BBC to act in the public interest, serving all audiences through the provision of impartial, high-quality, and distinctive output and services that inform, educate, and entertain. As the BBC’s regulator, Ofcom monitor the BBC’s adherence to the framework set out in the Charter, including any market impacts on competitors.  

The review comes during a challenging period for the BBC, with the threat of a lawsuit from US President Donald Trump, long-standing questions on impartiality and audience trust, and declining licence-fee income amidst a rapidly evolving media landscape that carries increased global competition. The review, which recognises the BBC as “not just a broadcaster but a national institution”, will consider what reforms are necessary to futureproof the BBC. 

The review sets out four priority areas for the future of the BBC: that it should be a trusted institution; deliver services for the public good; drive growth across the UK; and receive sustainable and fair funding. Within these areas, a variety of different policies are proposed for consideration. The bulk of the paper is focused on the BBC’s broadcasting and radio/audio outputs.  

Most notable for publishers will be proposed reforms to regulation aimed at increasing the BBC’s partnerships and reform of the licence fee, which could open the door for more commercial options such as advertising or subscription models. 

The current consultation, known as a Green Paper, will close on 10 March 2026. Once that feedback has been collated, a further policy document, called a White Paper, is expected to be published later in the year. Following another consultation period, and reflecting any changes from that, the final Charter will be granted from 2028. This will replace the current Charter, which is due to expire at the end of 2027. 

The PPA will consult members in the New Year and respond to the consultation in due course.