±«Óătv

Trust publishes policy for sources of alternative finance for World Service

Date: 04.04.2014     Last updated: 03.11.2014 at 12.45

Following agreement by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the ±«Óătv Trust has published a policy for the ±«Óătv World Service to continue to receive alternative sources of income now it is funded by the licence fee.

This forms part of the Operating Licence for the World Service which sets out the remit and scope of the World Service, its annual budget and its main commitments.

The Trust, the Secretary of State and the Foreign Secretary believe it is appropriate and expedient for the ±«Óătv to use certain alternative sources of finance to supplement the funding of the World Service from the licence fee.

It also reflects an ambition expressed by the ±«Óătv Trust and shared by the Government that, where appropriate and consistent with the ±«Óătv’s editorial principles, the ability of all of ±«Óătv international news services to benefit from third party sources of funding, including commercial funding, should be continued and enhanced.

The policy makes clear that alternative funding for the World Service must be reasonable and proportionate, must comply with the rules on state aid, and must in no way compromise the ±«Óătv’s editorial integrity or independence. The Trust will be responsible for monitoring this.