U.K. Media Regulator Warns BBC Over Complaints Procedure, Impartiality, Launches Operating License Consultation
variety.comNaman Ramachandran U.K. media regulator Ofcom has warned the BBC over its complaints process and impartiality concerns and also launched a public consultation on a modernized version of the broadcaster’s operating licence.Ofcom tracked audiences’ experiences and interactions with the BBC and found that while one in nine people have had a reason to complain about, most of do not actually make a complaint, because they felt it would not make a difference or be taken seriously.
These concerns are nearly twice as high for the BBC than for other broadcasters, Ofcom said. Ofcom also asked audiences about BBC news and current affairs and found that although they rate its news highly for trust and accuracy, conversely they rate it less favorably on impartiality.
Ofcom is now directing the BBC to change its policy and publish sufficient reasoning in cases where it decides not to uphold due impartiality and due accuracy complaints.
In April, the U.K government released a white paper, which if implemented, will reshape the country’s broadcasting landscape.
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