Watchdog voicing concerns over BBC

Ofcom will address the BBC’s “lack of transparency as a matter of urgency” for failing to publish its reasoning for its initial decision over Naga Munchetty, and the directorgeneral’s move to reverse it.

The BBC’s executive complaints unit (ECU) last month ruled that BBC Breakfast presenter Munchetty breached editorial guidelines when she remarked on comments made by US president Donald Trump telling female Democrats to “go back” to where they came from.

The ruling was overturned last week by Lord Tony Hall following a public backlash.

However, Ofcom said that, following its own assessment, the July 17 broadcast of BBC Breakfast was duly impartial in accordance with the Broadcasting Code, and that an investigation was not justifiable.

The media regulator said it has received 18 complaints, the majority of which related to the fact the ECU initially partially upheld a complaint against Munchetty.

Kevin Bakhurst, Ofcom’s group director for content and media policy, said: “We took into account the format of the BBC Breakfast programme and the nature of the presenters’ exchange.

“Our assessment is that it would not breach our broadcasting rules and does not warrant investigation.”

Mr Bakhurst added: “More widely, we have serious concerns around the transparency of the BBC’s complaints process, which must command the confidence of the public.

“We’ll be requiring the BBC to be more transparent about its processes and compliance findings as a matter of urgency.”

A BBC s p o k e s wo m a n said: “We note Ofcom’s finding and the fact they agree with the director-general’s decision.”

Picture: PA.