The Lib Dems say the role of the BBC's governors should be scrapped. 

Speaking on Wednesday, the party's culture spokesman Don Foster said changes are needed in order to preserve the integrity of the corporation.

His comments come during the process of renewing the BBC's operating charter.

They also follow the row between the government and the corporation that led to the Hutton Inquiry and the resignations of former chairman of governors Gavyn Davies and director general Greg Dyke.

In the wake of that upheaval, the structure of the BBC's senior management has come in for close scrutiny.

New chairman Michael Grade has already signalled that he intends to develop a bigger role for the governors in holding the corporation to account on its commitments.

But Foster said that move did not go far enough. "The governors must be abolished," he argued.

"Their role as both flag-wavers for and regulators of the BBC poses a conflict of interest."

The Lib Dems are instead calling for trustees to oversee the corporation along with a new public service broadcasting regulator.

But Foster insisted the BBC should continue as a strong and independent broadcaster.

"Only a strong, independent and well-financed BBC can continue to guarantee authoritative, accurate and impartial news," he said.

However, the party is calling for future licence fee increases to be pegged to inflation.

There will also be a review of the "public benefit" of the BBC's commercial activities, including its magazine operations and BBC World Television.