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<p>The BBC is editorially and operationally independent of the government, and trends
relating to audience and viewership are a matter for the BBC.</p><p>The BBC’s Royal
Charter requires the BBC to represent, reflect and serve audiences, taking into account
the needs of diverse communities of all the UK nations and regions. It is for Ofcom
as the BBC’s independent regulator to ensure the BBC complies with its Charter duties.</p><p>The
BBC includes details on audience trends within their Annual Report and Trust Statement.</p><p>The
Secretary of State and I have had constructive discussions with the BBC leadership,
and have made it clear that the BBC needs to ensure it is more accessible, and representative
of the people who pay the licence fee.</p><p> </p>
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