"The state" doesn't run the BBC, pdq - that's just not how it works. The size of the licence fee is set by the government, that's true, keeping it far below what we pay for access to satellite channels(and to many of the sporting events which we used to get without any extra payment.)

There is an editorial duty to provide balanced news coverage. Much of the time this means coverage that reveals and explores things the government of the day (any day) would very much sooner wasn't revealed or explored.

I suppose if you are accustomed to news media which are heavily biased, in any direction, the notion of balanced coverage might seem strange. Basically it means reporting all sides without spin and lies. Not that difficult an idea, but not one that is commonly put into practice. The BBC does it pretty well.