Sir, I cannot let the inaccuracies and assertions from Robert Chandler about the BBC World Service (letter, Nov 12) go unchallenged as they imply we are prepared to compromise our independence, and our editorial standards, to attract audiences.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. The problems we have faced in acquiring carriage on FM in Russia emanated from the growing impact the distinctive programmes were having with audiences, not from lowering the quality of our output. As a result, the authorities brought persistent pressure to bear upon our partners to drop our programmes. Initially, some resisted but eventually, the threat of losing their licences altogether became too strong.

In India, our partners did come under pressure, too. But that was as a result of a perception by some in the broadcasting authorities that BBC sport content was too close to “news”, which independent FM radio stations cannot carry from international broadcasters under Indian regulations. Again, this was nothing to do with the quality of our editorial content, which is popular and in demand from our partners. In Nepal, our partners broadcast BBC programmes from our Nepali service without any restrictions.

Your correspondent is also wrong about the Urdu service. It has not “relocated recently to Pakistan”. We are in discussions about increasing our presence in Pakistan but given the volatility of the political situation there, we will always maintain a significant team in London. In many services, we operate from London and a centre in the audience target area with demonstrable programme benefits, but all staff work to the same BBC editorial standards.

These arrangements are not new: about 25 per cent of World Service staff now work overseas and often in dangerous and difficult areas. But they and we know the bottom line: we will always resist any pressure upon them to distort their editorial agenda and content even if that means pulling staff out of regional centres; walking away from radio partnerships and losing audience as a result. Rest assured the reputation of BBC World Service, built up over seven decades, and its independence and editorial integrity are non-negotiable.

Nigel Chapman

Director, BBC World Service

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