The Foreign Affairs Committee of the UK House of Commons has published written evidence by a group of BBC World Service (former and current) journalists, on the impact of cuts to the World Service.The evidence discusses the recent announcement by the BBC to appoint “six regional directors to oversee output in its devolved regional offices abroad… [replacing] a number of management positions in London”.The group states that this “could contribute to the further fracturing of the core identity of the World Service, which used to pride itself as speaking with a single voice to the world”. The evidence argues that locating language services in regions “runs the risk of them becoming more parochial in outlook” and “potentially easier to close down”. Previously, the evidence argues, this has put “staff at risk of increased pressure from repressive governments”.The evidence argues that “while we understand the severe budgetary pressures facing the BBC, the rush to rapidly implement these changes could easily give rise to a series of unfortunate perceptions: the first is that the current leadership wishes to avoid detailed scrutiny of its proposals by Parliament”.It adds that “the second unfortunate perception is that public money intended for the World Service may be directed to projects that are of more use to other parts of the BBC. Strict safeguards must be put in place to prevent this from ever happening”.The impact of cuts on business programmes is described, with evidence stating that under-investment has meant that “live programmes and Business Daily are now relying on inexperienced freelancers to bolster the output”.Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry MP, said: “The insight offered in this evidence from current and former BBC journalists paints a troubling picture of the gradual erosion of the World Service.”“Chipping away of funding and rushing to make fundamental structural changes – such as moving the oversight of output to ‘in-country’ managers – places the World Service at risk.”“The US’s decision to dismantle the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe will inevitably create an information vacuum, one that other states, such as Russia and China, will be more than willing to fill with disinformation and propaganda.”“The World Service is an increasingly lonely figure in its commitment to providing impartial, truthful journalism globally. We need to act now to save the World Service.”Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Sir John Whittingdale MP, said: “At a time when the need for trusted and impartial sources of news has never been greater, it is profoundly worrying that the BBC World Service is facing financial cuts and forced restructuring.”“This evidence presents a very troubling picture of the impact that these changes will have, resulting in a diminished influence in the world just when the need to counter disinformation being spread by malign state and non-state actors is growing ever more pressing.”
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