Dismantling the BBC – as the Tories plan to do – will leave Britain £4billion worse off, it was revealed yesterday.
An independent survey found the corporation makes £7.6billion a year – that’s DOUBLE what it costs.
Also, independent TV and radio would be £1.4billion worse off as they make 40% of BBC shows, including Spooks and Ashes to Ashes.
The report claims the BBC’s commitment to the regions generates £200million and spin-offs from Freeview contribute between £90million and £250million a year.
The Deloitte report was ordered as David Cameron’s Tories have vowed to scrap the licence fee and to start breaking up the Beeb.
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Cameron’s policy is sanctioned by US-based media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who wants the BBC dismantled to further his TV interests, which include Sky.
The Tory leader wants to freeze the BBC’s £3.6billion-a-year licence fee, creating fears, voiced by Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, that a Tory government would dramatically downsize the corporation.
Deloitte describes the British independent production sector as “one of the crown jewels of the UK creative economy” and says it would shrink by two-thirds – a drop of £1.4billion – if it wasn’t for the BBC .
Director general Mark Thompson is thought to be preparing for a Tory onslaught if they win the election.
He has not ruled out closing channels. He may also scale back the BBC’s extensive website, which commercial rivals claim ruins the market for paid-for online news.
Daily Mirror
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