The BBC’s claim to impartiality has come under renewed scrutiny after results from its largest-ever public survey revealed that more than a third of respondents believe the broadcaster is “ineffective” at maintaining its independence from government. In a survey it conducted itself.
The figures, published as part of the corporation’s ‘Our BBC, Our Future’ questionnaire, show 38% of viewers surveyed said the BBC does not effectively distance itself from government influence. That’s only marginally behind the 43% who consider the BBC “effective” at operating independently.
The survey, which launched in March and drew 872,701 responses from across the country, found overwhelming support for the principle of an independent BBC. Some 91% said it is important the corporation remains free from government control.
Tim Davie, the BBC’s director-general, acknowledged the concerns raised. “The results of the questionnaire are clear – our audience wants an independent BBC, delivering high-quality programmes and content that they can trust; that tells the stories that matter to them and that reflect their lives,” Davie said. “We are here to deliver for audiences across the UK and we will be taking everything they have told us with us as we shape the future of the BBC.”
While there was broad support for the BBC’s public service remit – 83% said it was important the BBC “inform, educate and entertain” – viewers were split on how well the broadcaster is achieving its aims. Just over half, 51%, felt the BBC is effective at reflecting different parts of the UK and the lives of those who live there, with 24% describing the BBC as ineffective in this respect. On other measures, 64% agreed the BBC provides a valuable public service, compared to 26% who said it does not. When asked whether the BBC offers “something for everyone,” 59% agreed, while nearly a quarter disagreed.
The BBC’s international reputation remains strong. 57% of respondents see the corporation as an asset for the UK around the world, with only 21% dissenting. Digital services also received high marks, with nearly three quarters rating the BBC’s digital offering as high quality.
Looking ahead, viewers want the BBC to maintain – or, in some cases, increase – its programming output. Over 40% said they would like more drama and documentaries, while more than half of current sports viewers requested increased sports coverage. Two-thirds of respondents want the BBC to keep its current level of news output.
Davie said the response to the survey “shows just how much people care about the BBC,” adding: “I strongly believe the BBC has never been more needed, both in the UK and around the world.”
The results arrive at a crucial moment for the BBC, as the government begins its Charter Review process, with the current Charter set to expire at the end of 2027. The broadcaster says survey findings will play a central part in planning its future and has already begun following up with respondents.
Among the broader findings, the survey revealed deep public desire for the BBC to pursue truth with no agenda, support homegrown storytelling, bring people together, provide a valuable public service, deliver high-quality digital services, and offer content for all audiences. Yet the gap between public expectations and perceptions of performance is notable. For example, while 76% think it’s important the BBC reflect the country’s diversity, only 51% say it does so effectively.
The BBC says it is now considering how to become more accountable and responsive to the public, support more local news, combat disinformation, and harness new technologies such as AI to reach all audiences. These plans, the corporation says, will inform its discussions with government as the Charter Review proceeds.
The government is expected to publish a Green Paper and launch a public consultation on the BBC’s future in the coming months.
The research again highlights that the general public are become increasingly distrustful of corporate and mainstream media and moving to independent media outlets and citizens journalists.
