The BBC unveiled its annual plan for 2025/26 on Monday, mapping out an ambitious transformation agenda while acknowledging significant financial hurdles as the pubcaster gears up for charter renewal discussions.
With its budget down £1 billion ($1.3 billion) annually in real terms compared to 15 years ago, the BBC is doubling down on digital innovation while continuing its austerity measures. The corporation has already slashed 2,000 roles over the past five years and recently completed a voluntary redundancy program.
“Despite strong growth from BBC Commercial, we face an unprecedented content funding challenge as global co-productions reduce across the sector,” the BBC said.
BBC chair Samir Shah emphasized the organization’s critical mission: “The BBC’s role has never been more important, both here in the U.K. and around the world, to deliver trusted, impartial news in a world of disinformation; develop and promote the most compelling homegrown content; and be the place where people come together for unforgettable shared moments.”
Director-general Tim Davie added that the pubcaster remains “focused on our mission to deliver value for all, through our journalism, our storytelling and our unique ability to bring people together.”
On the content front, the broadcaster has revealed several high-profile projects including the return of “The Night Manager,” Sally Wainwright’s “Riot Women,” and Jack Thorne’s adaptation of “Lord of the Flies.” Popular series “The Gold,” “Doctor Who,” and “Silent Witness” are also set to return.
The corporation is planning a significant digital push with BBC iPlayer receiving enhanced personalization features and a stronger news offering. Subject to regulatory approval, four new distinctive music stations will launch on DAB+, while the pubcaster explores how to leverage AI responsibly.
To woo younger audiences, BBC News will expand its presence on TikTok and Instagram, and launch an initiative in schools to help students evaluate news legitimacy. In a first, full Newsround bulletins will be available on YouTube alongside their current homes on CBBC and iPlayer.
Sports coverage remains a priority with live broadcasts of the Women’s Euros, Women’s Rugby World Cup, and men’s soccer internationals for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland across BBC platforms.
The BBC’s commercial arm aims to deliver £1.5 billion ($1.95 billion) in returns by 2026/27, a 30% increase from the previous five-year period, as part of the strategy to offset budget constraints and declining global co-productions.
As the pubcaster prepares for charter discussions, it has launched what it calls its “biggest ever public engagement exercise,” seeking input from BBC account holders about the organization’s future. The corporation will advocate for “a universal public service BBC for a generation,” with sufficient funding and independence.
BBC’s reach statistics show that 95% of U.K. adults use BBC services monthly and iPlayer is the market’s fastest-growing long-form streaming platform. The pubcaster continues to dominate U.K. news consumption and remains the only British media brand in the top five among 16-34 year-olds, reaching 68% weekly.
Last year’s successes included Olympics coverage reaching over 36 million viewers, a Christmas Day sweep with BBC programs taking all top 10 slots, and a blockbuster return for reality hit “The Traitors,” which attracted 10.8 million viewers for its season premiere.
