BBC says public back its online journalism even if it hurts papers
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Version 0 of 1. The BBC has hit back at critics who say it should stop publishing written journalism online, claiming the vast majority of the public support its digital news coverage even if it makes it more difficult for newspapers to make money. Last month culture secretary John Whittingdale said newspapers were “entitled” to be concerned if the BBC continued to “provide news content that looks like newspaper content” and suggested the corporation should consider reining in its online operation. However a survey commissioned by the BBC has found that 95% of the public think it is important that the BBC publish written news on its apps and website, and more than three quarters think it should keep doing so even if it makes it harder for newspapers to attract readers and generate revenue. Only 6% said they thought the negative impact on newspapers meant the BBC should stop publishing online, and 83% said the BBC should continue its current approach to putting news online. BBC director general Tony Hall said: “Of course we are happy to engage and debate what the BBC does online, but impartial online journalism is important alongside what newspapers do. “And I am not knocking what they do – there is much to admire about our newspaper industry, which is the best in the world, but there is room for both the BBC and newspapers. “I said right at the start that the voice of the public matters most. We are accountable to them and we are all shaping the BBC of the future for them.” The BBC said it was reviewing its news content online to ensure it was distinctive. Lynne Anderson, deputy chief executive of the News Media Association which represents UK newspaper publishers, said the BBC was coming into competition with publishers because it was expanding beyond the core of its hard news coverage into “soft” news and magazine-style content. She said: “This increasingly brings it into direct competition with published media’s online platforms. The BBC itself has recognised that from now on it needs to be more distinctive, and the impact of its operations on the commercial sector should be the subject of careful and considered assessment.” The government’s review of the BBC ahead of the renewal of its charter is considering whether the corporation’s output across all its outlets is distinctive from commercial rivals, and if its news operation is having a negative impact on the rest of the industry. Regional news publishers have been especially vocal in complaining about the corporation’s impact on their businesses and ability to report on local issues effectively. One of the most outspoken critics of the corporation, Johnston Press chief executive Ashley Highfield, is on the advisory committee set up by Whittingdale to contribute to the government review. However, last month the National Union of Journalists general secretary Michelle Stanistreet told the Lords Communications Committee that the regional media’s woes were a result of underinvestment and cost-cutting in the pursuit of profits. The BBC has offered to provide 100 reporters to create content that could be used by regional newspapers. However, publishers have rejected the proposals. |