Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

BBC News and Political Coverage

Thursday 24 September 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The BBC charter requires it to serve audiences across all UK nations and regions.
  • How it does so is a matter for the BBC, but the Minister shares concerns about recently announced cuts.
  • Ofcom intends to examine the issue of whether the cuts reduce the BBC's ability to comply with its public sector broadcaster obligation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Grahame Morris Lab Easington
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Ofcom is examining the BBC's compliance with its statutory duties regarding local and regional news coverage and political coverage for English regions. Concerns have been raised about recent cuts.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with Ofcom on the BBC's compliance with its statutory duties on local and regional news and political coverage for the English regions?

Answer from John Whittingdale

The BBC charter requires it to serve audiences across all UK nations and regions. How it does so is a matter for the BBC, but I share concerns about recently announced cuts, and welcome Ofcom's intention to examine this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging concern, the Minister did not provide specific details on recent discussions with Ofcom.

How: Welcoming Ofcom'S Examination Without Detailing Discussions

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Q2 Grahame Morris Lab Easington
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Concerns have been raised about the reduction in regional production centres and potential staff redundancies for the programme “Inside Out”. The Minister previously stated Ofcom's intention to examine the issue.

Question

The number of staff working on award-winning investigative programme 'Inside Out' may be at risk due to BBC reducing regional production centres from 11 to six. Is the Minister asking Ofcom to investigate whether these cuts reduce BBC's ability to comply with its public sector broadcaster obligation?

Answer from John Whittingdale

Local and regional news coverage by the BBC is one of its core public purposes. The new director-general remains committed to this, though whether recent cuts affect the ability to meet the obligation is a matter Ofcom is examining without needing further dialogue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging commitment and importance of local news, the Minister did not confirm specific requests made to Ofcom.

How: Acknowledging Importance But Not Providing Concrete Details

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