In Praise of the World Service

I have just been watching the excellent programme that was on BBC 4 about the World Service"London Calling....Inside the BBC World service"

I am sure that many people in the Uk do not appreciate the resources that go into this service which costs the tax payer £250m a year(funding does not come out of the license fee) and broadcasts in 33 launguages.

The programme starts at the end of 2005 when the BBC closed 9 Eastern European services to divert money into a new Arabian TV service.The countries,including Bulgaria and Poland were selected as it was felt they now had a free media operating within their borders.Interestingly the Russian service continues to broadcast.


The situation in Asia is different.The Afghani service is heard by 60% of the country's population and is a lifeline for many in terms of getting news.After 9/11 and the allied invasion of the country,it was the only source of news about what was happening.Over 40 journalists cover the country.

Meanwhile in China,the authorities jam the news services and as a consequence broadcasts are being cut back.

In this day and age,with its multi platform 24 hour access to news,it is easy to forget about the World Service and its importance in broadcasting news and information to people who cannot always receive it