BBC faces govt crackdown amid fury at rampant bias – as Ofcom is handed new powers by ministers
THE BBC faces a government crackdown amid public fury at rampant bias.
Ministers are handing Ofcom new powers to scrutinise the broadcaster.
They stepped in after a Whitehall review warned “impartiality continues to be an issue for audiences”.
Most complaints centred on objectivity, while licence fee-payers lacked confidence in the Beeb to address concerns, the review found.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer last night warned the BBC “needs to adapt or risk losing the trust of the audiences it relies on”.
She added: “Following constructive conversations with the BBC and Ofcom, we have recommended reforms that I believe will improve accountability while boosting public confidence in the BBC’s ability to be impartial.”
The broadcaster has been accused of bias in its coverage of the Israel-Gaza war, namely its refusal to call Hamas terrorists, and for believing claims that Israel bombed a Gaza hospital.
Ofcom’s scrutiny will be extended to the BBC website.
Ms Frazer has also demanded results from the broadcaster’s social media policy, which was tightened to stop stars such as Gary Lineker letting loose with their own political views.
The review also found the corporation was not doing enough to represent viewers from poorer backgrounds, or those who are disabled.
A BBC spokesperson said: “No other organisation takes its commitment to impartiality more seriously.”
They added: “We have well-established and detailed plans to sustain and further improve standards.”