The BBC is in decline, with viewership falling dramatically. However, existing BBC presenters have decried a proposed alternative channel’s chances.
The BBC’s programmes have been accused by some of becoming progressive and unrepresentative of a number of people in the country, particularly outside Greater London and the South East of England.
Some examples of shows that have been criticised by the public include Doctor Who, Roadkill and many of the comedy and political panel shows that air.
The criticism stretches to other shows such as Question Time or Newsnight, which many people say is unwatchable due to its perceived imbalance in tone and panels.
The BBC’s flagship political show, Question Time, has been losing viewers for years. Its viewing figures, according to their press office, are now historically low for the organisation.
A BBC report has revealed that the number of people buying a TV licence has fallen by 237,000 in a single year. This is a drop in revenue for them just short of £40 million.
The show (which has been running since 1979) currently scrapes in just over a million viewers per month. In October, the figure was 1.4m and in November 1.5m viewers. This is compared to pre-pandemic figures of 3.5m.
It comes as a survey by YouGov was released on the British public’s perception of the news media, which ranks the BBC as the most biased outlet in the country. This is a far cry from 30 years ago, when they were considered the pinnacle of journalism and a wholesome news service.
Some examples of such beliefs come from two of their “highly regarded” and very well-paid stars, Andrew Marr and Nick Robinson. The two men have attacked GB News (set to launch in March), run by Andrew Neil, which has been suggested by some to be an attempt to undermine it and boost support for the BBC.
Andrew Marr stated: “I hope that we demonstrate quite quickly that, whilst partisan TV is great fun for a short period, after a while you turn back with great relief to something that is at least trying to be impartial”, adding that the BBC will still beat other “politely partisan rivals … but I don’t think the more politically partisan rivals to the BBC will find it easy.”
BBC journalist Nick Robinson tried to stir up followers on Twitter to complain about GB News before it has launched. He implied that the they would not adhere to Ofcom’s impartiality rules (with no evidence backing up such claims), linking to a Guardian article.
Will a British “Fox News” channel improve debate, decision making and democracy in this country? Send your answers to @Ofcom https://t.co/9zMEe4G2GD
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) August 29, 2020
