Sir Lenny Henry Centre leads student conversation on BBC Charter Renewal

A team at Birmingham City University is leading a major UK-wide initiative to bring student voices into the national debate on BBC Charter Renewal.

The Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, in partnership with the Media Reform Coalition, is launching a nationwide series of student-led discussions to ensure 16–25-year-olds help shape how the BBC is governed, funded and run.

The first event will take place on 25 March at Birmingham City University, marking the start of a wider campaign to engage students across universities and FE colleges.

The event is organised jointly with the university's Students’ Union, BCUSU and will be livestreamed. Contributions to the debate will be shared under the hashtag #myBBCmysay.

Sir Lenny Henry said: “Young people should be heard in the debate about BBC Charter Renewal. Their concerns need to be addressed.

"We need diversity of thought and representation at the BBC moving forward, and students must be part of that debate. I urge all universities and FE colleges to do all they can to make it happen.”

The initiative is part of the Alternative Green Paper on the BBC’s Future, developed by the MRC, setting out proposals for a more democratic, accountable and representative BBC.

With the Government’s White Paper on Charter Renewal expected shortly before the summer recess - and the formal consultation process now closed - organisers say this initiative creates a vital space for public engagement, particularly among younger audiences.

Professor Lee Edwards, Chair of the MRC, said: “Charter review is an historic opportunity to debate and decide what kind of BBC we want, and young people need to be at the centre of this.

“Students and young people are a critical audience for the BBC, and they deserve a role in shaping its future. This series of events is a crucial first step in giving them a voice.

“We hope the Government and the BBC will take on board the creative ideas and inspiration that will surely come from their discussions.”

Young audiences are not abandoning the BBC, but they feel little institutional attachment to it. They are less likely to watch linear broadcasts and more likely to encounter BBC content via platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

At the same time, access to trusted information, authentic representation and opportunities to be heard are increasingly important to younger generations navigating issues such as the cost of living, job insecurity and the impact of artificial intelligence.

Students at BCU’s launch event will take part in a live panel exploring the BBC’s relevance, the importance of representation, and what they would change if they were in charge.

BCUSU President, Shoukat Mehsud said: “As a student representative, I believe it is vital that young voices are heard in shaping the future of the BBC. It must remain independent, inclusive, and truly accountable to the public it serves."

The LHC has created a toolkit to enable other universities and FE colleges across the UK to run their own student-led discussions, with practical guidance ranging from workshops and assemblies to panel discussions.

Institutions interested in hosting their own student event are encouraged to contact LHC Director, Jaldeep Katwala.