BBC seeks to broadcast into North Korea as part of its expanding World Service: source

The BBC plans to launch a radio news service for broadcast into North Korea as part of an expansion of its World Service offering, a source told Agence France-Presse on Saturday.

The state broadcaster also wants to offer new and expanded services to Russia, Africa, India and the Middle East, added the source close to the matter.

It could lead to the BBC launching a daily news programme for North Korea, in a move that risks unsettling diplomatic relations between London and Pyongyang. 

The BBC is said to be looking also at creating a satellite TV service for Russian speakers and is expected to seek extra public funding for the expansion.

“This is about Britain’s place in the world,” said a source at the BBC, ahead of a formal announcement on the broadcaster’s plans due Monday.

“Other news outlets are growing globally, and many do not share our traditions and values.”