BBC executives are pursuing funding from the defence budget to support its World Service, arguing that certain operations contribute to Britain's national security.
High-ranking officials at the corporation are said to be locked in discussions about whether specific activities, particularly efforts to combat disinformation, meet the criteria for defence expenditure.
Jonathan Munro, who leads the World Service, is exploring methods to distribute financial responsibilities across various Government departments, it is claimed.
He stated: "There are quite difficult rules about what counts as defence spending, but things that count as stability and conflict spending are now also built into that space."
The broadcaster faces funding cuts that could reach tens of millions of pounds.
The World Service operates on a £400 million budget, primarily supported by licence fee revenue and Government grants, which constitute approximately one-third of its total funding.
Currently, all grant funding originates from the Foreign Office's budget, with 80 per cent classified as overseas aid.
The broadcasting service reaches audiences across 42 different languages worldwide.
The BBC's World Service delivers news in 42 languages to a global audience
| GETTY/BBCRebecca Ryan, Campaign Director at Defund the BBC, told GB News: "With wars looming in Europe and the Middle East, every penny of our defence budget should go towards protecting the British people — not propping up the bloated BBC.
"It’s astonishing that, at a time of real global danger, BBC bosses think their woke campaign organisation counts as national security.
"When our troops and allies face real threats, taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund a broadcaster that long ago stopped defending British values.
"Let’s scrap the licence fee once and for all."
Earlier in the year, the Prime Minister announced intentions to halve the overseas aid budget, increasing pressure on the World Service's financial position as a result.
These funding challenges have already led to operational changes, with the BBC reducing its international programming to achieve £6million in savings.
The restructuring also led to approximately 130 positions being eliminated within the World Service division.
Corporation leaders argue that the service's work in tracking international media and challenging propaganda serves essential national security functions.
The Prime Minister has commited to raising defence expenditure to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027
| PAThe Prime Minister's commitment to raising defence expenditure to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027 has opened potential funding opportunities that BBC management hopes to access.
With the Foreign Office's budget under pressure, corporation executives are advocating for recognition of the World Service's contributions to national stability and security.
A BBC spokesman said: "The BBC World Service delivers unparalleled UK cultural influence around the world, and as well as bringing economic benefits to the UK, plays an important role in national security and global stability."
The corporation continues negotiations with the Foreign Office regarding funding arrangements whilst pursuing broader Governmental discussions.