BBC seeks US funding to help fight censorship

The BBC World Service Trust is in the early stages of applying for US State Department funding for research into combating the censorship of foreign media content by repressive governments.

The Trust, which is the corporation's international charity for promoting human rights and reducing poverty, is understood to be applying for the money because it is concerned about the ability of authorities in countries such as China and Iran to block content emanating from the BBC and other international outlets.

It is not clear at this point how much money has been applied for. However, the Trust said in a statement on Monday that it is "developing a proposal to enable audiences across the world to access and engage with digital platforms safely whilst being informed of the risks and opportunities involved".

"BBC World Service Trust is not in receipt of funds from the US State Department for this work. It has however applied through an open and competitive tender process to US State Department for project funding in this area, the outcome of which will not be known for several months," the Trust said, adding that the State Department is only "one of a number of potential funders" being approached.