The BBC’s ambitious £700M out-of-London masterplan has come under fire for an “incomplete” evaluation process and a lack of a coherent approach. The UK’s National Audit Office (NAO) released a scathing report highlighting numerous concerns and providing a series of valuable recommendations. Despite the grand unveiling of the plan by Director General Tim Davie three years ago, the NAO’s assessment paints a bleak picture. The report suggests that the BBC may have been overly confident in its ability to deliver on its promises for the future.
One of the major criticisms outlined by the NAO is the absence of a coherent approach to the implementation of the masterplan. The NAO points out that there is insufficient evidence of an effective delivery strategy and a lack of mechanisms for tracking and measuring progress. This has raised serious doubts about the BBC’s ability to successfully execute the plan and achieve the desired outcomes.
Furthermore, the NAO highlighted that the BBC’s plans for evaluating the success of the Across the UK initiative are incomplete. The report suggests that the focus has been primarily on the actions to be taken rather than the intended impact and benefits. The NAO emphasized the need for a clear explanation of the expected outcomes for license fee payers from the substantial investment being made outside of London.
The NAO expressed concerns about the BBC’s misplaced confidence in the progress of Across the UK, especially considering the delays in key areas. It pointed out that the BBC is struggling to meet its targets, particularly in areas such as allocating 50% of its audio production budget outside London by March 2028. The NAO also raised doubts about the BBC’s explanations for getting back on track, noting that they were not sufficiently convincing.
In response to the audit report, the NAO provided a set of recommendations to help the BBC address the shortcomings in its masterplan. One key recommendation was for the BBC to revise and refresh its plans in light of the review findings. Additionally, the NAO suggested that the BBC clearly outline its strategy for realizing the benefits of the program and specify what it intends to achieve moving forward. To enhance transparency, the NAO proposed that the BBC include a dedicated Across the UK section in its annual report and accounts.
The NAO’s critical assessment of the BBC’s £700M out-of-London masterplan raises significant concerns about the plan’s effectiveness and the BBC’s ability to deliver on its promises. The report highlights the need for a more rigorous evaluation process, a clearer impact assessment, and a more coherent approach to implementation. Moving forward, it will be crucial for the BBC to heed the recommendations provided by the NAO and take proactive steps to address the identified shortcomings in order to ensure the success of the Across the UK initiative.