BBC boosts programming by £150m

The BBC has promised to spend an extra £150 million a year on programmes. This will eventually raise the percentage of the licence fee spent on programme making from 76% to 85% by 2006.

The commitment is part of the BBC's annual Statement of Promises which also pledge a richer mix of TV and radio programmes, an expansion of BBC Online and greater accountability.

Responsibility for monitoring the implementation of the promises will be the newly appointed director of public policy Caroline Thomson, who will oversee the areas of editorial, regulatory and compliance.