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BBC 'must become more impartial' BBC 'must become more impartial'
(about 2 hours later)
The BBC needs to make greater efforts towards impartiality, according to a report commissioned by the corporation.The BBC needs to make greater efforts towards impartiality, according to a report commissioned by the corporation.
It accuses the BBC of breaking its own guidelines by screening an episode of The Vicar Of Dibley which promoted the Make Poverty History campaign. It accused the BBC of breaking its own guidelines by screening an episode of The Vicar of Dibley which promoted the Make Poverty History campaign.
The report also quotes former political editor Andrew Marr, who says the BBC has an "innate liberal bias". The report also quoted former political editor Andrew Marr, who said the BBC has an "innate liberal bias".
However, it adds that the BBC is "generally seen as impartial" and sets out new guidelines for avoiding bias. However, it added that the BBC is "generally seen as impartial" and set out new guidelines for avoiding bias.
It warns that "hearing both sides of the case" is no longer enough, when Britain has become a "multi-polar" society. Twelve guiding principles have been introduced, which will complement the BBC's existing editorial guidelines.
The BBC is also advised to remember that there are points of view not represented by the UK's two main political parties, which should be addressed in its programmes. Among them is the statement that impartiality is "not necessarily to be found on the centre ground".
Weather 'bias' Impartiality is no excuse for insipid programme-making Richard Tait, BBC Trustee
But it is not just news programmes that are targeted in the report. Other principles warn that impartiality should not lead to "political correctness" or "insipid programmes" and there must be room for controversial and passionate contributors.
The introduction of the BBC's 3D weather maps in 2005 is used as an example of how the corporation can be seen as biased towards the south-east of England. The Vicar of Dibley featured shots of an anti-poverty websiteThe report said the whole of the BBC needed to be aware of the importance of impartiality.
The introduction of the BBC's 3D weather maps in 2005 was used as an example of how the corporation can be seen as biased towards the south-east of England.
Because of the way the maps were tilted, they appeared to suggest that northern Scotland was on the periphery.Because of the way the maps were tilted, they appeared to suggest that northern Scotland was on the periphery.
Although the problem was quickly ironed out, the report warns that "the continuing practice of giving temperature forecasts for conurbations rather than rural areas may suggest a presumption that the bulk of the audience lives in large cities, whereas the opposite is in fact the case". Although the problem was quickly ironed out, the report warned that "the continuing practice of giving temperature forecasts for conurbations rather than rural areas may suggest a presumption that the bulk of the audience lives in large cities, whereas the opposite is in fact the case".
Fair and informed The London Olympics will be a "serious test," the report saysThe BBC's coverage of Live 8 and the Make Poverty History campaign was also singled out for criticism.
An episode of BBC One comedy series The Vicar of Dibley, written by Make Poverty History campaigner Richard Curtis, was commissioned without reference to the editorial guidelines, it said.
The sitcom showed Dawn French's character urging parishioners to support the anti-poverty campaign and may have breached the BBC's code, which prevents dramas from endorsing charities.
The report went on to warn that the London Olympics will provide a similar test of the BBC's impartiality.
"Coverage of international championships has sometimes drawn criticism that the British media are too preoccupied with British competitors," it said.
"That pull will be all the greater when the Olympic flame reaches British soil in what is likely to be the year of the Queen's diamond jubilee".
Safeguarding impartiality is a big and challenging topic Mark Byford, deputy director general, BBC
In compiling the report, the BBC commissioned a survey into its audience's views on impartiality.In compiling the report, the BBC commissioned a survey into its audience's views on impartiality.
Sixty-one per cent of people questioned said that broadcasters may think they give a fair and informed view but a lot of the time they do not. Sixty-one per cent of people questioned said broadcasters may think they give a fair and informed view but a lot of the time they do not.
A further 83% agreed that broadcasters should report on all views and opinions, however unpopular or extreme some of them may be.A further 83% agreed that broadcasters should report on all views and opinions, however unpopular or extreme some of them may be.
"BBC audiences believe that impartiality should not lead to political correctness," said Richard Tait, the BBC Trust member in charge of the report."BBC audiences believe that impartiality should not lead to political correctness," said Richard Tait, the BBC Trust member in charge of the report.
"The BBC agrees and one of our new principles makes clear that impartiality is no excuse for insipid programme-making.""The BBC agrees and one of our new principles makes clear that impartiality is no excuse for insipid programme-making."
The BBC's deputy director general, Mark Byford, welcomed the report. The BBC's deputy director general, Mark Byford, who was part of the report's steering group, said the findings were of great importance.
"Safeguarding impartiality is a big and challenging topic and the publication of the report should be the catalyst to a wide conversation and debate across the BBC.""Safeguarding impartiality is a big and challenging topic and the publication of the report should be the catalyst to a wide conversation and debate across the BBC."
The report was approved by the BBC Trust and BBC Executive Board.
The trust represents licence fee payers and ensures the BBC provides value for money, while the board is responsible for delivering the BBC's services in line with the priorities set by the trust.