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BBC Archives Closed: Researchers Blocked from History
31 Mar
Summary
- Archive access now restricted, impacting independent study.
- Campaigners cite "impossible" research conditions.
- BBC aims to open more archives in future releases.
Access to the BBC's Written Archives Centre has been significantly restricted, making research "impossible" for many, according to campaigners. The archives, previously open with appointment, are now only accessible on Wednesdays and Thursdays with a prior booking, and on-request file vetting has ceased, closing off approximately two-thirds of the collection.
A campaign representing 600 writers, historians, and researchers asserts that these changes are detrimental to education and research, conflicting with the BBC's public interest remit. They claim the alterations have little to do with cost-saving and demonstrate an unwillingness to engage with suggestions for the archive's sustainability.
A BBC spokesperson stated that the changes are intended to provide greater value to license fee payers by shifting to structured content releases. The corporation plans to increase accessibility of its written archive from 30% to 50% over the next five years, moving away from individual content requests.
