ABOUT THE BBC

The British Broadcasting Corporation is an extremely influential news source. It is reputed to provide fair and unbiased reporting of world political events, both within the UK and internationally. It broadcasts news through TV, radio and a much visited Internet site. Its principal language is English, which has established itself as the dominant language of world commerce, politics and education. The BBC World Service broadcasts in a number of other languages.

Funded by a public tax, the BBC is free from the need to attract advertising revenue. It also claims to be free from Government interference. All these factors combined enhance its credibility as an impartial news source and so increase its influence. However this influence is dependent upon the BBC maintaining its reputation for ‘accuracy and impartiality’.

The BBC’s Charter and the BBC Producers Guidelines state that the BBC shall…

• “…contain comprehensive, authoritative and impartial coverage of news and current affairs in the United Kingdom and throughout the world…”

• “…treat controversial subjects with due accuracy and impartiality… and…not contain any material expressing the opinion of the corporation…”

• “…Due impartiality lies at the heart of the BBC. All programs and services should be open minded, fair and show a respect for truth…The BBC applies due impartiality to all its broadcasting and services, both to domestic and international audiences…”

To download a copy of the BBC Charter, click here.

BBC Charter Review website: www.bbccharterreview.org.

To download a copy of the BBC Producers Guidelines, click here.

To download and read the BBC Watch Reports, click here.