The BBC is not privately owned by individuals or a private company. It is a public service broadcaster funded primarily by the UK television license fee and governed under a Royal Charter. In practical terms, this means BBC News is owned by the British public, with editorial independence protected by the Charter and oversight provided by the BBC Board and the regulatory framework.

Key points:

• Ownership: Public corporation under a Royal Charter; no private shareholders.

• Funding: Mainly license fee paid by UK households and organizations that receive live TV or use BBC iPlayer; additional income comes from commercial activities (e.g., BBC Studios).

• Governance: Led by the BBC Board and the Director-General; independent editorial standards are maintained under the Charter and regulatory oversight (e.g., Ofcom’s role).

• Public service remit: The Charter enshrines the BBC’s mission to inform, educate, and entertain with impartial, accurate reporting.

If you’d like, I can pull up the most current official statements from the BBC or UK government sources to confirm the latest governance details.