Is BBC effective at being independent? Here’s what viewers say

The BBC is “ineffective” at being independent from the government, according to 38 per cent of its viewers.

The corporation surveyed 872,701 people in its Our BBC, Our Future questionnaire beginning in March. Some 91 per cent of respondents said it was important that the BBC is “independent from the government of the day”.

A total of 43 per cent of surveyed viewers said the media outlet was “effective” at doing so.

“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,” Tim Davie, BBC director-general, 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.”

Just over half of those surveyed (51 per cent) said the BBC is currently “effective” in reflecting “different parts of the UK and the lives of those who live there”, which 76 per cent of respondents said was important, with 24 per cent saying it is “ineffective” at this.

As many as 64 per cent said it is currently providing a “valuable public service”, with 26 per cent saying it is “ineffective” in doing so, while 59 per cent said the corporation offers “something for everyone”, with 24% saying it is “ineffective” in doing this.

Some 57 per cent of viewers said the BBC is an “asset for the UK around the world”, with 21 per cent saying it is “ineffective” in doing this, while 73 per cent of respondents said the BBC offered “high quality digital services”, with just 10 per cent saying it was “ineffective” in providing this.

More sport coverage was requested by more than half of those that currently watch it on the BBC, while more than 40 per cent of total respondents said they would like to see more drama and documentary series, 67 per cent said they wanted to keep news coverage at its current level.

Some 83 per cent of people said it is “important the BBC’s core mission to inform, educate and entertain continues”.

The BBC says the survey results will play “a central part of the BBC’s planning for the future”, and has asked its respondents follow-up questions.

Mr Davie added: “We have had such an incredible response to this questionnaire, which shows just how much people care about the BBC. I want to thank everyone who took part and shared their views with us.

“I strongly believe the BBC has never been more needed, both in the UK and around the world.”