Chilling effect

New BBC chairman Richard Sharp has made his first intervention as the BBC's "Qualified Person", as defined by Freedom of Information legislation. 

An enquirer asked for publication of the BBC's submission to the Government for 2022 to 2027, which includes "financial information (historical and future) covering the period 2017-2027; commercial revenue models; reach of BBC output; savings projections; workforce information; global reach of the BBC; and other strategic matters. "   This homework was apparently handed in on 9th March 2021. 

Mr Sharp is quite clear in his refusal to share: "The Requested Information contains highly sensitive commercial and strategic information,  disclosure of which would have a ‘chilling effect’ on the discussions between the BBC and  Government. In this regard, it is relevant that the consideration of the BBC’s funding model are [sic] ongoing.....  Overall, I conclude that ongoing consultations between the BBC and Government over the next funding agreement would become less robust and candid if the Requested Information was disclosed."