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sense of what seems a confusing and
contradictory world - providing a
forum for the exchange of ideas,
across cultural, linguistic and national
boundaries. If the BBC can continue
to contribute in these crucial areas, it
will be worth the cost, many times
over.
But this will only be possible if we
can continue to be a strong voice for
global audiences in the face of intense
competition. Whether it is the Voice
ofAmerica, Radio Liberty, the mighty
CNN or new players with global
ambitions like Al Jazeera, audiences
are fragmenting as they select from a
relentlessly expanding menu of
media.
This is why at the beginning of
December we brought together our
international services across radio,
television and the web, led by Mark
Byford, under the umbrella of a BBC
Global News Division. The division
comprises the radio World Service,
our international television channel
BBC World, and our international
online services. With better co-
ordination across all these services,
we will maximise our potential
editorially and will strengthen
recognition of the BBC brand among
audiences.
Each service has its own special
strengths. Together they are a
powerful voice in international
broadcasting.
The World Service remains a
cherished source of impartial radio
news, in English and 42 other
languages, from Polish to Pashto. It
is listened to by 150 million people a
week, from world leaders to Afghan
tribesmen. For the populations of
some countries, it is the only source
of independent news.
Modernising the way the service is
available is key to maintaining that
reach and reputation. This includes
investing in more broadcasting on
FM, now available in 136 capital
cities, and our partnerships with some
2,000 local radio stations which re-
broadcast
World
Service
programmes.
Our activities on the web are an
increasingly important way of
reaching new audiences. We now
offer sites to support all 43 language
services carried on the radio. That
means 43 different news websites
with text and audio, plus live
streaming of each of the services. This
takesWorld Service radio onto a vital
new platform which is almost
doubling year on year. It also allows
