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BBC Faces Scrutiny Amidst Crisis: Complaints Dip
28 Nov
Summary
- Complaints to Ofcom about BBC content decreased in the past year.
- Ofcom urged the BBC board to act swiftly and transparently during controversies.
- Local news publishers cite a structural imbalance due to BBC's online growth.
Broadcasting regulator Ofcom reported a decrease in complaints concerning BBC content for the year ending March 2024, with 2,204 complaints compared to 2,709 the prior year. This decline occurred amidst a period Ofcom described as a 'significant crisis' for the BBC, particularly concerning editorial decision-making in its news and current affairs programming.
Ofcom reiterated its call for the BBC's board and executives to exert stronger oversight and respond promptly and openly to controversies. The regulator noted that while complaints about impartiality decreased, a previous spike in 2023/24 was partly due to coverage of the Israel-Gaza war. During the 2024 UK general election, nearly 400 complaints about BBC election content impartiality were received, none of which warranted further investigation.
Separately, concerns have been raised by commercial local news organizations about the impact of the BBC's expanded local news services. The News Media Association warned of a 'structural imbalance,' suggesting the BBC's growth is contributing to pressures faced by commercial providers and advocating for guardrails to ensure competitive fairness.
