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Question

Difficulty: MediumTelevision and Radio

In the United Kingdom, television broadcasting is divided between public service and commercial networks. While commercial channels produce famous long-running programmes such as *Coronation Street*, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the world's oldest national broadcaster and maintains a unique legal and financial structure to ensure its independence. Which of the following correctly identifies how the BBC is governed and funded?

  1. It is governed by a Royal Charter and is primarily funded by a television licence fee paid by UK households.Answer
  2. B
    It is a government-run department that is funded through direct annual grants from the Treasury to produce shows like *Doctor Who*.
  3. C
    It is a commercial broadcaster that generates all its revenue from television advertising and corporate sponsorship.
  4. D
    It is a private corporation owned by shareholders and funded by monthly subscriptions from individual viewers.

Answer

The BBC is established and governed by a Royal Charter and is primarily funded by a television licence fee paid by UK households.
The correct answer identifies that the BBC is governed by a Royal Charter, which ensures its independence from the government, and is primarily funded by a television licence fee. This model distinguishes it from commercial broadcasters that rely on advertising revenue.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal framework of the BBC.
The BBC operates under a Royal Charter.
The Royal Charter sets out the BBC's object, powers, and duties while protecting its independence from political or commercial pressure.
2
Determine the primary funding source for the BBC's domestic services.
The television licence fee.
Anyone in the UK who watches or records live TV or uses BBC iPlayer must pay a licence fee, which funds the BBC's programmes, including long-running classics like *Doctor Who*.
3
Distinguish between the BBC and commercial television.
Commercial television is funded by advertising.
Unlike the BBC, commercial providers (such as the network that produces *Coronation Street*) generate revenue through advertising rather than a public licence fee.

Key Concept

The unique governance and funding model of the BBC as a public service broadcaster.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Television and Radio

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