After last year’s General Election a damaging Licence Fee settlement was reached with the BBC which will lead to a large funding shortfall. The Government has also been examining the BBC’s output and mission through the charter renewal process, which must conclude by the end of 2016.

On Tuesday 15 March 2016 the Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU), of which WGGB is part, will launch its Alternative White Paper on the future of the BBC at the Houses of Parliament.

The Alternative White Paper:

• Is aimed at parliamentarians and it is hoped it will influence the Government’s own white paper on charter renewal, which is expected to be published in May 2016.

• Explores issues including the impact of funding cuts arising from the transfer of responsibility for the provision of free television licences for the over-75s to the BBC.

• Proposes a series of reforms which acknowledges that the BBC is not perfect in terms of its record as an employer and as a broadcaster. These reforms seek to ensure that the BBC is an independent and accountable broadcaster of the highest quality, and one that better reflects the diversity of the UK’s population and draws on the talent in its nations and regions.

The event, which will be chaired by FEU President Christine Payne, is open to all members of the FEU unions – WGGB, Equity, the NUJ, Musicians’ Union, BECTU, Unite and the Professional Footballers’ Association.

It provides an important opportunity for those who work at or provide content for the BBC to express their views about the future of the corporation.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Maria Eagle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

• Damian Green MP, Chair of the BBC All-Party Parliamentary Group

• Hywel Williams MP – Plaid Cymru

• Lord Fowler

The event takes place from 3-5pm on Tuesday 15 March in Committee Room 10, Houses of Parliament, SW1A 0AA.

If you are a WGGB member and want to attend please register on Eventbrite.

If you are planning to attend, please also write to your constituency MP and ask them to come to the launch with you. You can find out who your MP is and email them at www.theyworkforyou.com

WGGB members attending will need to enter Parliament via the Cromwell Green Entrance, which can take up to 30 minutes. If you have any questions about the event please email admin@writersguild.org.uk

Find out more about the FEU’s BBC Love It Or Lose It campaign.