BBC ‘focuses too much on extreme viewpoints’

MEDIA: Viewers also criticise ‘false equivalence’ in its coverage, says Ofcom report

Some viewers are concerned that the BBC gives too much coverage to “extreme” viewpoints, Ofcom has said.

The watchdog found that viewers worried about the corporation’s approach to impartiality, especially its inclusion of “controversial viewpoints”.

Ofcom said its research showed viewers felt “extreme political views” were given “undue prominence” on the news agenda.

The results have been published in its second annual report into BBC News and current affairs.

However, Ofcom also said those most critical of the BBC over alleged bias themselves tended to hold 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.”

The report said viewers also suggested more extreme views were given priority over more moderate or “typical” perspectives, and that they could sometimes go unchallenged.

In a letter to BBC director-general Lord Tony Hall, Ofcom’s chief executive Sharon White said some viewers had “concerns” about the BBC’s coverage.

She said: “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 also found that BBC News was seen by some as “representing a white, middle-class and London-centric point of view that is not relevant to their lives”.

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.”

The report also favourably addressed BBC News’ reputation as a trusted source.

Ofcom said the channel remained the UK’s “primary source of news” for people looking for “trusted and accurate reporting” despite the uncertain political environment.

The BBC said it welcomes the report’s recognition of its “trusted, accurate news” service.

It said: “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.

“As Ofcom points out, it has not upheld any complaint against the BBC on the grounds of impartiality.”