Conclusions and recommendations
Performance in 2008-09
1 We conclude that the strong performance of
the BBC World Service across all media in 2008-09 is to be welcomed.
We particularly welcome the unprecedented growth in online audiences,
which exceeded all targets. (Paragraph 16)
BBC Arabic television
2 We conclude that the early indications are
that the BBC Arabic television service, now broadcasting 24 hours
a day, has established itself as a trusted and valuable provider
of news and discussion across the Middle East, and that it proved
its worth during the recent Gaza conflict. We recommend that the
World Service should supply us with the results of its latest
survey of BBC Arabic television audience figures, broken down
by country as soon as they are available. We further recommend
that the BBC provide updated ratings for trust and impartiality,
and comparable data for the BBC's main competitors, including
Al Jazeera. (Paragraph 22)
BBC Persian television
3 We conclude that the new BBC Persian television
service provides an invaluable service to the people of Iran and
to other Farsi speakers in the region by supplying an objective
news service at this period of great tension. We further conclude
that congratulations are due to all the BBC World Service staff
involved in launching and delivering this service, despite difficult
circumstances and active opposition. (Paragraph 34)
4 We welcome the temporary extension of the service
to 24 hours of broadcasting, and regret that this was not able
to continue due to financial restraints. We recommend that the
provision of a 24-hour BBC Persian service should be a top priority
for the World Service in 2009-10. We further recommend that all
possible technical expedients should be used to ensure that the
Iranian Government's attempts to block their citizens' access
to objective news from the BBC does not succeed. (Paragraph 35)
Other language services
5 We conclude that the changes to the BBC Turkish
and BBC Afrique Service are in line with the strategic themes
and priorities outlined by the BBC World Service. We recommend
that the BBC World Service closely monitor the impact of these
changes on audience levels and customer satisfaction, with a view
to evaluating the impact of its strategic priorities. (Paragraph
41)
Online and mobile technology
6 We conclude that the World Service's pro-active
response to the rapid growth in online and mobile technology is
welcome, in view of the huge potential of this technology for
reaching large and new audiences. We agree with the World Service
that the key challenge is to develop multimedia platforms while
maintaining the quality of the existing radio service. We recommend
that the World Service should inform the Committee of the outcome
of its review of the mix of services in order to define strategic
priorities which identify the most effective and efficient means
to disseminate material and to maximise audiences and engagement.
(Paragraph 48)
China
7 We conclude that the partial liberalisation
of media access to China during the Olympic Games was a temporary
phenomenon, and that this is deeply regrettable. We welcome the
World Service's efforts to overcome obstruction and restriction
in China, and welcome the subsequent success of bbcukchina.com.
We recommend that the Government should continue to insist to
China that the broadcasting restrictions which are currently in
place serve no useful purpose and should be lifted. (Paragraph
52)
Russia
8 We conclude that the continuing difficulty
in distributing radio content to audiences in Russia is deeply
regrettable. We welcome the success of the World Service's strategy
to overcome this by increasing investment in online and non-FM
radio services. We particularly welcome the fact that this investment
has resulted in expanding the World Service's impact in Russia
through reaching new audiences. (Paragraph 57)
Sri Lanka
9 We conclude that the decision to allow the
World Service to resume broadcasting in Sri Lanka is to be welcomed.
We recommend that the World Service notify us of any further delays,
should any occur, after the Sri Lankan elections. (Paragraph 59)
Rwanda
10 We conclude that it was very disappointing
that the BBC World Service was taken off the air in Rwanda, and
that the Rwandan Government refused to give interviews to the
Great Lakes Service. We welcome the fact that the Rwandan Government
are now giving interviews, and recommend that the Government through
its mission in Rwanda take active steps to support the World Service
in re-establishing confidence in its coverage in that country.
(Paragraph 61)
Azerbaijan
11 We conclude that the ban on international
radio broadcasters in Azerbaijan is unacceptable, and detrimental
to the interests of the people of Azerbaijan. We recommend that
the Government support the BBC in its attempts to resolve this
difficulty and to restore the transmission of BBC FM broadcasting
in Azerbaijan. (Paragraph 63)
Administration
12 We conclude that 2009-10 will be a difficult
year for the World Service and that further cuts in staff and
services should be avoided. We support the crucial work of the
World Service and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
We conclude that the BBC World Service is of key importance in
providing a source of high quality and politically independent
broadcasting worldwide. (Paragraph 72)
| 
