The BBC has published its Annual Plan for 2026/27, promising to continue “Value for All “ under its strategy of the same name as it prepares to welcome incoming director general Matt Brittin in May.
The next year could prove pivotal for the national broadcaster as it heads towards the end of its current Royal Charter and negotiations with the Government over its future, and its funding, continue in earnest.
Earlier this month, the BBC published its response to the Government’s Charter Review Green Paper, urging radical reform to deliver an “independent, universal and sustainably-funded BBC for the future, fit to deliver for audiences and the whole of the UK.”
The priority for the year ahead is to continue to deliver on three key roles: To pursue truth with no agenda, back homegrown storytelling, and bring people together.
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The corporation will also continue its digital transformation – including making the best use of AI – while taking steps to manage costs and deliver efficiencies, working to cut a further 10% reduction from its total public service cost base – the BBC’s ongoing drive to cut costs has not been without controversy, not least over sweeping changes to its local radio provision in recent years and reduced commissioning in previous Annual Plans.
BBC Chair Samir Shah (pictured) said: “The BBC is needed more now than ever before and the plans for the year ahead show why this organisation is an asset to the whole of the UK.
“The Board’s focus is a new Charter that delivers a BBC fit for the future, able to serve audiences where and when they need us; supporting the creative economy and delivering right across the UK.”
Outgoing BBC Director-General Tim Davie added: “We can look forward to a year of brilliant creativity, great programmes and the very best of UK storytelling across the BBC.
“But let’s be clear – the BBC, needed more than ever, is at risk like never before. Given financial pressures, infinite choice and changing audience behaviour, the organisation must also make some tough choices in the year ahead to reshape how we operate.
“It is vital that the new Charter brings radical reform, to enable an independent, universal and sustainably-funded BBC to thrive for generations to come.”
Highlights of the Beeb’s 26/27 Annual Plan include promises to:
- Launch a new partnership with the Met Office, to deliver the most trusted and accurate weather service to everyone in the UK.
- Increase BBC Bitesize media literacy resources such as the innovative mini-drama Solve the Story, in response to the growing importance of this subject for children, parents and teachers.
- Focus on audiences in the West Midlands, North East, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as part of the continued Across the UK plan.
- Expand BBC News’ presence on social and video platforms such as YouTube to increase reach, counter disinformation and strengthen engagement, particularly with younger audiences.
Other key facts and figures highlighted include:
- On average, the BBC is used by 52 million adults per month (94%) and is the brand most used for media in the UK.
- The BBC is the only UK brand in the top five most used for media by young people in this country, reaching almost nine in 10 16-34s on average per month.
- In 2026/27, across all our network TV channels and BBC iPlayer (excluding news) we will broadcast 7,480 hours of original programmes, up 55 hours on last year. Total spend on content for audiences will increase this year by £180m to a total of £2,728m.
- UK-produced content remains a defining feature of BBC iPlayer, with 76% of the hours of content available produced in the UK, compared with 8% on Netflix and 6% on Disney.
