I introduced last year’s Statements of Programme Policy (SoPPs) by saying that the BBC creates public value by serving its audiences as consumers and as members of a wider society through its range of programmes and services.

The style of SoPPs has changed this year to reflect the BBC’s transition to new governance arrangements. However, I hope that as you read them we have yet again demonstrated this ongoing commitment to meeting audience needs and to delivering excellence and value across all our services.

We will offer diverse television, radio and new media content, as well as non-broadcast services such as the orchestras. Our efforts are designed to provide the best in information, education, entertainment and involvement, enhanced this year with innovative services like the Creative Archive and pilots such as BBC iPlayer (subject to approval by the Board of Governors, which will include a public value test).

For the first time this year we have a new public purpose: to help build digital Britain. Without exception every BBC service now provides some digital interactivity – whether podcasts or a website – designed to encourage and include everyone, and to expose us all to the benefits of the future. It is fitting, therefore, that this year’s SoPPs are only available online.

Mark Thompson
Director-General

April 2006

Complete document Download the whole document in one large pdf file. PDF (393 kb)

Welsh version Download the whole document in Welsh in one large pdf file. PDF (442 kb)

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