Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has urged local people to take part in the consultation on the future of the BBC.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport is consulting on renewal of the BBC Charter, the constitutional basis for the BBC. The current charter ends in December 2016.
The consultation is open until 8 October 2015.
The Minister is keen that local people ensure their views are considered. She said: “This consultation provides a powerful opportunity for local people to make their views known regarding the future of the BBC.
“By taking part in the consultation, people will be able to ensure that their voices are heard regarding what the BBC does in the north of Ireland, across all of its television, radio and online platforms.”
The Minister continued: “It is important, I believe, that we all ensure the BBC honours and builds on its public service obligations. As a public organisation, the BBC is accountable to the people and I want to ensure that the north of Ireland has a formal, consultative role in developing, reviewing and agreeing the new BBC Charter.
“The BBC should have governance, management and funding structures which reflect the needs of people here, which include language rights and commissioning for local television and production.
“The more local people get involved in the consultation, the greater the chance of influencing decisions on the future of the BBC. I encourage anyone with any views on the BBC to get involved and make their voice heard.”
The DCMS consultation on the future of the BBC Charter is at:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/bbc-charter-review-public-consultation
