When I took on the role of the global director, BBC News, in 2024, I agreed to be the custodian of something special, the BBC World Service. Like many of you, I have long admired its reputation for quality journalism and remarkable global reach as a beacon of democratic values and British influence.
Nine months into the job, I can testify that the product lives up to its reputation. Our journalists, deeply rooted in the communities we serve, understand the mission of the World Service and work tirelessly to deliver it across 42 language services. Largely through the World Service, BBC News reaches 414 million people each week.
Why the world needs the BBC’s journalism more than ever
With press freedom in peril and disinformation on the rise, now is the moment to secure funding for the BBC World Service, writes its director Jonathan Munro.
The World Today
Published 9 June 2025 — 3 minute READ
Image — A monk walks past a collapsed building in Mandalay days after Myanmar was shaken by an earthquake in March. The BBC World Service reacted quickly, providing vital information to 9.6 million people. Photo: Sai Aung Mainsai Aung Main/ AFP via Getty Images.
