Here’s How the BBC, Disrupted by Technology and New Habits, Is Thinking About Its Future

By: Joseph Lichterman | NiemanLab

As the United Kingdom’s national broadcaster, the BBC operates under a royal charter, a formal document issued by the British monarchy that sets out the BBC’s priorities, ensures the broadcaster’s editorial independence, and details the responsibilities of the BBC Trust, its governing body.

The BBC was first granted a royal charter in 1927, and the charter has been renewed every 10 years since then. Its current charter expires on Dec. 31, 2016, and the BBC has already begun preparing for its renewal.