British Tax Dollars Back BBC Bias Against Israel

Broadcaster’s charter is coming due for renewal

BBC Broadcasting House in central London. Credit: Richard Cooke.

Does the BBC have a problem with Jews? That is the question many are asking about Britain’s esteemed state broadcaster. And that feeling has become increasingly prevalent in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel.

The BBC is funded by a license fee, or tax, of £174.50 ($232) levied on households with a television. Non-payment of the fee is a criminal, rather than a merely civil, matter. The broadcaster prides itself on its self-proclaimed impartiality and authoritativeness. It sees itself as the global gold standard for fair reporting.

Its charter, which sets out the BBC’s funding structure and also its broad editorial remit, is renewed every ten years. The negotiations for the next charter, starting in 2027, are well underway.