BBC objects to Twitter's labeling of it as 'government-funded media'

Tweets from Elon Musk-owned Twitter labeling the BBC as a "government-funded media" have led to a sharp response from the BBC, which on Monday reacted strongly to the move.

It said it has contacted the social media giant regarding the designation on its @BBC account "as soon as possible".

"The BBC is, and always has been, independent. We are funded by the British public through the licence fee," the BBC statement said.

A recent email exchange with Twitter chief Elon Musk suggests he is considering providing a label to identify media organizations' "exact funding sources".

"We are aiming for maximum transparency and accuracy. Linking to ownership and source of funds probably makes sense," Musk's email to BBC reads.

In addition to sharing updates about BBC-produced TV shows, radio shows, podcasts, and other non-news content on Twitter, the London-based media organization uses the account primarily to share updates about BBC-produced television programs, radio shows and podcasts.

The BBC Charter states the corporation "must be independent", particularly over "editorial and creative decisions, the times and manner in which its output and services are supplied, and in the management of its affairs".

The BBC said it also receives more than GBP 90 million per year from the government to support the BBC World Service, which predominantly serves non-UK audiences.

BBC's new labeling follows NPR's labeling by Twitter after it did the same for its account.