Overview

• The questionnaire drew 872,701 responses, with 43% calling the BBC effective at staying independent of government, 38% ineffective and 19% unsure.
• A strong 91% said it is important that the broadcaster be independent from the government of the day.
• The corporation says the findings will be central to planning and its Royal Charter renewal submissions, and it has issued follow-up questions to participants.
• The funding model—via a licence fee whose level is set by government—features in debate over independence as renewal negotiations near.
• Viewers also flagged priorities and concerns, with over 40% wanting more drama and documentaries, 67% satisfied with current news volume, and about a quarter raising issues of bias alongside complaints about “political correctness” and on-screen diversity.