BBC viewers have criticised Antiques Roadshow and Countryfile for allegedly pushing 'left wing views' during Sunday evening broadcasts, with some calling for the licence fee to be scrapped. The backlash follows an Antiques Roadshow segment where expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan refused to value an ivory bangle linked to the slave trade, and a Countryfile episode on rural dentistry that was deemed overly political.
On the latest Antiques Roadshow, a guest brought in an ivory disc purchased for £3 in 1988. Archer-Morgan identified it as a slave trader's bangle from the 18th century, stating: 'I want to make it absolutely clear that myself and we in the Antiques Roadshow wholly, unequivocally disapprove of the trade in ivory.' He described the object as 'a testament to the callous trade' and refused to assign a value.
Viewers took to social media to express displeasure. One X user wrote: '#BBC now politicsing #antiquesroadshow after moralising on #countryfile, ramming their left wing views down our throats on programmes that avoided politics & charging us for the privilege. Time for #licencefee to go.' Another said: 'Watched Antiques Roadshow since I was a kid... can't be bothered with it anymore! There are better shows about antiques elsewhere on TV that don't push endless lefty garbage.'
Countryfile also faced criticism for a segment on rural dentistry, which some viewers felt was overly political. The BBC previously defended the show, stating it aims to reflect rural life and issues. Mail columnist Nana Akua commented on the Antiques Roadshow controversy, saying the episode 'left a truly nasty taste in my mouth' and accused the BBC of 'wagging its fingers at us, the philistine viewers.'
The BBC has not commented on the latest complaints. Both programmes have historically been popular Sunday evening staples, but recent episodes have sparked debate over the role of political messaging in entertainment programming.
