The BBC claims to be “committed to achieving due impartiality in all its output” and calls that commitment “fundamental” to its reputation.
Yet Britain’s national broadcaster regularly finds itself embroiled in accusations that it has failed to live up to this core principle from across the political spectrum.
The corporation’s pledge is so important because it is funded by the BBC licence fee, which was paid by £23.5million people last year.
Those millions will hold a diverse array of political, social and religious views and so bias in any direction is thought to be unfair and unrepresentative.
The fact that British citizens can be fined £1,000 in court for not paying the licence fee shows just how national “Auntie” is and to prioritise a small portion of viewers’ political stances would leave others asking why they should have to fork out £159 a year.
Yet just hours ago, former BBC stalwart and GB News founding broadcaster Andrew Neil demanded the corporation verify or deny the cancellation of Roisin Murphy.
The singer’s tracks were pulled from a 6 Music slot after she made Facebook comments about puberty blockers, leading an insider to tell the Mail that it was a thought “she has had her voice taken away”.
The BBC said that Ms Murphy’s songs were replaced with Little Simz tracks to “reflect 6 Music’s Way With Words programming, which celebrates poetry, rap and spoken word” to tie in with National Poetry Day, adding: “There was no other reason for the change.”
But once again the spectre of possible bias at the broadcaster has appeared and Express.co.uk wants to know whether our readers think the licence fee is fair.
So what do YOU think? Should BBC licence fee be scrapped? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comment section below.
