Ofcom has issues results of some research conducted around the BBC. However, it seems the report hasn’t looked too favourably upon the BBC as they have been criticised for their “political impartiality”.
The regulatory service said those who were most critical of the BBC’s alleged bias tended to have the “strongest political views”.
The report said: “When it came to content, audiences perceived the BBC as giving too much coverage to extreme voices while others criticised ‘false equivalence’ in its reporting.
“Those who were critical of the BBC’s impartiality also tended to hold the strongest political views.
“The current polarised political climate presents a challenge to the BBC in how it approaches due impartiality.”
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Ofcom went on to say how viewers considered extreme viewers were “given priority” over more moderate views, adding how they sometimes go “unchallenged”.
The results, which were published in the second annual report into BBC News and current affairs, went on to criticise the coverage of “extreme voices”.
Ofcom’s chief executive Sharon White said in a letter to Lord Tony Hall, the BBC’s Director-General: “There were also concerns over aspects of the approach the BBC takes due to its impartiality in its news and current affairs coverage.
“Some audiences perceived the BBC gave too much coverage to extreme voices.
“Others highlight ‘false equivalence’ in reporting.”
The report went on to discuss how BBC News was said to favour a “London-centric” point of view, according to viewers.
It said: “The BBC’s heritage and longevity can inspire trust, but we also heard the BBC described as Westminster-focused and speaking for, and to, a small section of society.
“Some viewers told us they see the BBC’s television bulletins as stuffy and limited in range.
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“The perceived lack of diversity in BBC reporters and presenters, or the lack of different viewpoints, was also raised by people from minority ethnic backgrounds.”
Speaking about the report, the BBC said it is pleased to see the brand being known for “trusted and accurate news”.
The report did commend the corporation for being the UK’s “primary source of news” in such a time of political turmoil.
The BBC added: “Ofcom notes that people’s perceptions of due impartiality are often coloured by their own beliefs and that the BBC’s unique status means we are subject to greater scrutiny than other news providers.
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“As Ofcom points out, it has not upheld any complaint against the BBC on the grounds of impartiality.
“Being an impartial broadcaster means people will hear from a wide range of people, including views that they don’t agree with, but we will continue to give different views their due weight so audiences have the context they need to understand what’s happening in the world.
“We are committed to ensuring the BBC serves all audiences and reflects, and represents the whole of today’s UK, and while we have made progress in reflecting this in our workforce we have been clear there is still more to do.
“As Ofcom has recognised, in today’s digital world it’s vital that the BBC engages with young audiences online, which is why we will continue to develop our offer for young people.”
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