This report has been produced to provide an introduction to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and our examination of their spending and performance. It is intended to support the Committee of Culture, Media and Sport and Members across the House in their examinations of DCMS and the BBC.
It summarises the key information and insights that can be gained from our examinations of DCMS and related bodies in the sector in the UK, and the BBC, and their annual reports and accounts.
The whole DCMS group spent nearly £7.9 billion in 2023-24 to unite the residents of the country, support growth and provide people with equal opportunities to culture, sports, arts and beyond. It was also responsible for overseeing the National Lottery, which distributed £1.7 billion for good causes.
The BBC spent nearly £5.7 billion in 2023-24 to fulfil its mission to act in the public interest, serving all audiences through the provision of impartial, high-quality and distinctive output and services which inform, educate and entertain. The licence fee is the largest source of BBC funding (£3.7 billion).