This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ofcom-could-be-handed-external-control-of-the-bbc-under-plans-to-be-published-10347012.html

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Ofcom 'could be handed external control of the BBC' under plans to be published Ofcom 'could be handed external control of the BBC' under plans to be published
(35 minutes later)
A Government report on the future of the BBC is set to recommend that the BBC Trust be abolished and its powers handed to Ofcom, it has been reported.A Government report on the future of the BBC is set to recommend that the BBC Trust be abolished and its powers handed to Ofcom, it has been reported.
The Daily Telegraph newspaper says an upcoming Green Paper into the Corporation’s future will present putting the Corporation under external control for the first time in its history.The Daily Telegraph newspaper says an upcoming Green Paper into the Corporation’s future will present putting the Corporation under external control for the first time in its history.
Under the plan the industry regulator’s role would be expanded and it would have direct oversight of the public broadcaster to ensure impartiality.Under the plan the industry regulator’s role would be expanded and it would have direct oversight of the public broadcaster to ensure impartiality.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport stressed to the Independent that the report was speculation.
"No decisions have been taken. All aspects of the BBC are up for debate as part of the Charter Review process," a DCMS spokesperson said.
Politicians and activists from all parts of the political spectrum sometimes criticise the BBC’s coverage as biased against them.Politicians and activists from all parts of the political spectrum sometimes criticise the BBC’s coverage as biased against them.
The BBC Trust is the governing body of the BBC. It is operationally independent from the broadcaster and is tasked with making decisions in the interests of licence-fee payers.The BBC Trust is the governing body of the BBC. It is operationally independent from the broadcaster and is tasked with making decisions in the interests of licence-fee payers.
It was set up in 2007 to replace the previous Board of Governors.It was set up in 2007 to replace the previous Board of Governors.
The report comes as the Independent reports that the BBC is facing the threat of a huge budget cut, as the Government considers making it pay the £600m cost of free TV licences itself.The report comes as the Independent reports that the BBC is facing the threat of a huge budget cut, as the Government considers making it pay the £600m cost of free TV licences itself.
The proposal is set to be on the table as part of George Osborne’s upcoming budget on 8 July.The proposal is set to be on the table as part of George Osborne’s upcoming budget on 8 July.
Last week BBC political editor Nick Robinson revealed in an interview with the Guardian newspaper that David Cameron joked during the election campaign that he might close down the BBC.Last week BBC political editor Nick Robinson revealed in an interview with the Guardian newspaper that David Cameron joked during the election campaign that he might close down the BBC.
Newly appointed Culture Secretary John Whittingdale has been a critic of some aspects of the Corporation, having described licence fee funding arrangement as worse than a “poll tax”.Newly appointed Culture Secretary John Whittingdale has been a critic of some aspects of the Corporation, having described licence fee funding arrangement as worse than a “poll tax”.
The Conservative manifesto pledged to deliver a “comprehensive” review of the BBC’s Royal Charter.The Conservative manifesto pledged to deliver a “comprehensive” review of the BBC’s Royal Charter.
The party says the move would ensure the broadcaster “delivers value for money for the licence fee payer, while maintaining a world class service and supporting our creative industries”.The party says the move would ensure the broadcaster “delivers value for money for the licence fee payer, while maintaining a world class service and supporting our creative industries”.
The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport did not immediately respond to a request for comment on story.