The BBC has published its Annual Plan for 2019 and 2020, which outlines how it will be operating in the coming year.
Central to the report is its commitment to: “bold and creative programme making, innovation in how we deliver services, impartial journalism in a rapidly changing world, and for BBC staff, how we make the BBC an even greater place to work.”
It said that it would invest in “unique and distinctive” content and grow the iPlayer and BBC Sounds apps. It would also “refresh relevant content across all genres and all platforms to appeal to younger audiences.” This latter point comes following last year’s comments by Director General, Tony Hall that the BBC would be streamlining its online services to compete against operations like Netflix and Prime.
The report also states that it would provide “trusted, impartial news at a critical time for the UK and the world.” Adding that it “will stand up for impartiality and continue to make sure the broadest range of views are heard.” It would be investing more in its Reality Check fact-checking and increase regional “pop up bureaux” as trialled with the We Are Bradford week.
“Today, the BBC enhances the lives of almost everyone in the UK. Around 44 million British people use us every day – more than 90% of the adult population every week,” said Director General, Tony Hall.
“All broadcasters face the challenges of a fast changing media landscape. The BBC can meet those challenges and succeed in the future, just as we have succeeded in the past. We will achieve success by continuing to place British creativity at the heart of our program making. Our ambition is to deliver the very best, most distinctive, British content of any broadcaster. The string of hits and award winning programmes of the past twelve months shows that we can deliver. We will build on that in the months ahead to meet the rising expectations of the public.
“Our journalism must continue to ask the difficult questions and hold those in power to account. The role of our journalism at home and abroad has never been more important in a fast changing and uncertain world.
“And where we have big decisions to make that will impact the shape and future of the BBC, we will make them carefully and responsibly. We will always put the public and our audiences first.”
