Ofcom has become the BBC’s first external regulator following criticism of the internal BBC Trust for failing to ensure impartial reporting and for not delivering a diverse range of content that serves audiences across the UK.
Under the BBC’s revised Royal Charter, which sets out how the corporation should deliver performance and value for audiences, the broadcaster must achieve cost savings of £800 million by 2020. Additionally, Ofcom will have the power to impose fines of up to £250,000 if the BBC fails to meet a set of measurable targets.
The BBC’s spending on brand-new UK-commissioned programmes fell by 30 percent between 2004 and 2015.
One requirement is that at least half of national programmes produced in the UK must be made outside London to improve regional representation. Salford-based Radio 5 Live is also expected to broaden its remit to provide coverage of 20 different sports, a target it typically only meets in Olympic years.
Critics have pointed to examples of biased reporting, notably around the Brexit referendum. A letter coordinated by Conservative MP Julian Knight—himself a former BBC journalist who supported Remain but has voiced concerns about coverage—was signed by 72 MPs who argued the BBC has misrepresented Leave voters by highlighting those who regret the decision and by disproportionately reporting positive economic news since the referendum. The letter said Leave-voting constituencies feel their views have been underrepresented: “This phenomenon is weakening the BBC’s bond with the 52% who voted Leave and all who wish to make a success of the decision made,” it added.
Ofcom says it will concentrate on three core areas to ensure the BBC delivers value for licence fee payers: content standards; protecting fair and effective competition; and reviewing performance. While recognising the BBC’s “special” status, Ofcom insists it will not give the broadcaster special treatment.
Ofcom Chief Executive Sharon White said: “Ofcom’s job is not to assess the merits of individual programmes.” To avoid restricting the creative freedom of BBC commissioners, Ofcom plans to act where it finds statistical anomalies in coverage rather than rule on individual editorial judgments.
We have asked viewers and listeners what they value most about the BBC, and our plans reflect what they’ve told us.
The BBC’s spending on brand-new UK-commissioned programmes fell by 30 percent between 2004 and 2015. Under Ofcom’s proposals, three-quarters of all programme hours on the BBC’s most popular TV channels should be original productions. During peak viewing—defined as 6pm to 10:30pm—at least 90 percent of programmes on BBC Two should be original, bringing it into line with the existing requirement for BBC One.
New rules will also apply to BBC radio. A “significant proportion” of new music played on Radio 1 and Radio 2 should come from new and emerging UK artists. Radio 3 is expected to continue supporting the UK’s classical music scene by commissioning at least 25 new musical works each year and strengthening relationships with non-BBC UK orchestras, opera companies, and festivals.
A new Diversity Code of Practice will require the BBC to report annually on how it reflects, represents and serves the diverse communities across the UK, with particular attention to age, gender, sexuality, disability, and race.
Kevin Bakhurst, Ofcom’s Content and Media Policy Director, said: “The BBC is the cornerstone of UK broadcasting. It should deliver quality content for its whole audience, with programmes that reflect the UK’s rich culture and showcase all its talents.”
“We have asked viewers and listeners what they value most about the BBC, and our plans reflect what they’ve told us. We now want to hear the wider views of licence fee payers.”
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