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Government sets out plans for BBC's future

An overhaul of how the BBC is run has been announced by the government, as it announced the licence fee will continue for at least the next 11 years.

The proposals include:

• A new requirement for the corporation to provide "distinctive content"

• A new unitary board for the corporation, with a majority of members independent of the Government, with Ofcom regulating the broadcaster

• People watching BBC programmes using the iPlayer will be required to obtain a TV licence, closing a loophole estimated to cost £150 million a year

• Publishing the salaries of stars earning over £450,000.

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BBC to have a new governing board

The BBC is to be regulated externally for the first time in its 90-year history Credit: Reuters

Culture secretary John Whittingdale is setting out the government's White Paper plans for the BBC in Parliament, including appointing a new governing board.

Mr Whittingdale said the unitary board will:

  • Be a clearer separation of governance and regulations
  • Allow editorial decisions to remain the responsibility of the Director General
  • Have a majority of members who will be independent of the Government
  • Be regulated by Ofcom
  • Be headed by current BBC chair Rona Fairhead until the end of her term in 2018
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Government sets out plans for BBC's future

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