BBC examining plans that could lead to US consumers paying for its journalism

BBC executives believe the polarisation of media in the US could provide an opportunity for the corporation’s impartial coverage to gain a bigger audience. Photograph: Heritage Image Partnership Ltd/Alamy

Senior BBC figures are examining plans that would lead to American consumers paying to access its journalism, as the broadcaster looks to the US to boost its fragile finances.

The corporation, which is facing fierce competition from streamers and falling licence fee income, has been targeting US audiences as it attempts to increase its commercial revenues outside the UK.