Review of the BBC’s Coverage of the EU - Terms of Reference
1. Background
This study follows the broad pattern set by earlier Governors’ impartiality studies on Rural affairs and on Religion – but with some important differences.
- Whereas those studies were managed within the BBC management chain (by Editorial Policy) this study will be managed by an independent consultant answerable only to the Governors.
- The proposed scope of the study goes beyond impartiality to take in accessibility.
- Earlier studies were made public only after completion. The decision to carry out this study was made public in the 2003/04 annual report. In the interests of openness it is proposed to invite written submissions from interested parties, and to publish the final report.
2. Scope
Critics of BBC coverage of the EU make four main claims:
- The BBC is systemically Europhile
- Anti-EU, pro-withdrawal, voices have been excluded from BBC coverage
- BBC coverage of the EU is seen too much through a Westminster prism with the result that significant EU developments go unreported
- BBC reporting has failed to increase public understanding of EU issues and institutions and their impact on British life, thereby contributing to public apathy
It is proposed to consider all four areas in this study. The aim of the study is “to assess the impartiality of BBC coverage of the EU with particular regard to:
- Debate about Britain’s place in Europe
- The activities of EU institutions
- Accessibility and to make recommendations for improvement where necessary
The study would consider BBC News output. Coverage from other UK broadcasters and newspapers would be used as a comparator, as would Nations and Regions coverage from Scotland.
3. Approach
As with the religion and rural affairs studies, this study would consist of:
- An independent expert panel
- Focus group research
- Content analysis
4. Timetable
The report will be presented to the Board early next year