BBC World Service Funding: UK Lawmakers Express Concern

0:00Stay tapped into pop culture in two minutes or less with entertainment and celebrity news today. A committee of UK lawmakers says they're deeply troubled by the shaky future funding for the BBC World Service. Their new report points out that poor planning and short-term cash choices are hurting its global standing. The current government deal runs out at the end of this month with no replacement in sight. The BBC still has no clue how much money it'll get from the government for the year ahead. They want full funding restored, just like before 2014, when the government covered everything. Lawmakers warn the service risks, dropping from its top spot as the world's most trusted international broadcaster. Rivals in places like Russia and China are dumping billions into their outlets, while short-term deals from the foreign office block Smart Long Range, planning. BBC Director General Tim Davies stressed in a recent speech that the world's service matters more now than ever amid propaganda pushes from those rivals. But they need real action and steady cash.

1:01The committee also called out BBC weaknesses in management and digital shifts that hurt online audiences. The government calls the services work highly valuable and promises funding details before the new financial year kicks off in early April. The BBC welcomes the report, plans fixes for governance and value, and thanks staff risking it all in tough spots. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting today's coverage. Headphones in a pillow. Once you try, it just makes sense. S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.