Implications of the BBC World Service Cuts

Written evidence from Andrew Bolton, Senior Broadcast Journalist, Bush House

I am writing to you regarding the recently-announced cuts to the funding of the BBC World Service.

I hope you will be able to use your influence to oppose the cuts.

I’m sure you are already aware of much of the detail, so I need not repeat it here. Suffice to say that the World Service plays a vital role in representing Britain overseas, and - in my view - it is one of the few major British institutions we can still be proud of.

The cuts mean, among other things, that the World Service is throwing away an audience of about thirty million - quite ludicrous, I’m sure you agree.

As it happens, I have been a journalist at the World Service for more than twenty years, so you might think I am only writing to you because I have a vested interest.

In fact I’m writing because I sincerely hope you will be able to help prevent this wonderful British organisation from being flushed down the pan, and its place taken by - among others - the Americans and Chinese.

7 February 2011