Review of BBC External Services: Middle East

This file concerns the review of the prescription of the BBC External Services, with the aim of attuning the prescription to the foreign policy objectives of the FCO and introducing new services or extending existing ones. Of relevance to the Gulf are memoranda and correspondence concerning:

• The consumption and performance of BBC broadcasting in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain
• The question of programme selection and content, and whether the BBC produce material that reflects negatively on Britain
• Anecdotal evidence concerning the consumption of BBC broadcasting by prominent UAE officials
• Recommendations for the introduction of a French language programme for Lebanon, and for an increase to the Persian service for Iran.