US government contributes to BBC

The BBC is to recieve a six-figure sum from the US.

By Liam McLaughlin Published 21 March 2011

According to reports, the BBC World Service has been offered a "significant" sum of money by the US government.

After a 16 per cent cut in its annual grant, the US government has offered what is believed to be a low six-figure sum to the BBC World Service to aid them in providing independent news in countries like China and Iran.

They are expected to use the money on anti-jamming technology, and in educating people on how to work around TV and internet censorship.

BBC Persia and BBC Arabic have faced numerous examples of jamming during broadcast, whilst the internet in countries like China is infamous for being blocking particular sites and censoring information.

The US government have deemed the BBC worthy recipients of the money due to their ability to reach a broad base across the globe.

 
 

2 comments

writeoff's picture

Mon, 2011-03-21 12:55 — writeoff (not verified)

As if their output wasn’t compromised enough already. Is this allowed in their rules? Can they accept cash from the Saudi Royal Family too? It’s an outrage – how can they pretend independence?

Tom's picture

Mon, 2011-03-21 20:33 — Tom (not verified)

How long has the BBC been getting US aid? Also a cynical question. Is this in any way a thank you to Cameron for his support in "forcibly militarily intervening" in Libya? Somebody was going to ask. So I'll do it.

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