Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Some language services serve smaller or harder to reach audiences, often in countries where media...
Conclusion
Some language services serve smaller or harder to reach audiences, often in countries where media freedom is low and reliable news is difficult to access, therefore their reach is lower and they can appear higher-cost on simple cost per user measures, yet they meet the highest need audiences.27 The BBC explained that it assessed audience need by considering fragility, conflict and repression, and it noted that radio or traditional services must be retained in markets such as Afghanistan and parts of the francophone Africa. It gave an example of Afghanistan, where education output for girls on radio and TV in Dars language had provided one of the only reliable sources of learning and trusted news.28 19 C&AG’s Report, paras 2, 1.16 20 C&AG’s Report, para 14 21 C&AG’s Report, para 1.3, Fig 2 22 Q 55 23 Q 41 24 Q 24 25 Q7; C&AG’s Report, paras 2.13-2.14 26 Q 32 27 Qq 10-11; C&AG’s Report, paras 1.7, 2.4 28 Q 10 10 Tracking progress on digital transformation