BBC must make savings, John Whittingdale says

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale has told Alastair Stewart that the BBC should try to make "the same efficiency savings as we're asking every public body to do".

Speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, Mr Whittingdale defended his choice of advisers to carry out a fundamental review of the broadcaster.

He said the BBC, which is funded by the television licence fee, had to "make the same contribution that other parts of government are making".

Mr Whittingdale said many people thought there could be "further efficiencies in terms of the bureaucracy and the management of the BBC", and he referred to BBC sitcom W1A.

A licence fee costs up to £145.50 per year per household, and pays for radio, television and online services.