The number of official complaints made to the broadcasting regulator Ofcom about the BBC fell during the last reporting year, according to a new assessment published this Friday. However, the report lands as the corporation navigates what Ofcom describes as a period of 'significant crisis' concerning its editorial decision-making.
A Drop in Formal Complaints
Data from Ofcom's annual report on the BBC reveals that the watchdog received 2,204 complaints about BBC content in the year to the end of March. This figure represents a notable decrease of 505 complaints from the 2,709 logged in the previous 12-month period.
The regulator attributed this decline partly to fewer complaints about due impartiality compared to earlier years. It also noted that the previous year's total was unusually high, following a spike linked to the BBC's coverage of the Israel-Gaza war.
Editorial Crises and Leadership Fallout
Despite the fall in complaints, the report underscores profound challenges within the BBC's news and current affairs departments. The period has been marked by internal turmoil, leading to the high-profile resignations of director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness.
This leadership exodus was triggered by a leaked memo from former editorial adviser Michael Prescott. The memo raised serious concerns that a speech by US president Donald Trump, featured in a 2024 Panorama episode, had been selectively edited, causing a major scandal.
In its findings, Ofcom reiterated its call for the BBC's board and executive to 'take a firmer grip' when problems occur and to 'act swiftly and transparently when controversies arise'.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Market Impact
The report also touched upon the BBC's expanded local news services and their potential effect on commercial providers. Ofcom stated that its previous analysis 'found no significant evidence' that the BBC's growth was directly causing declines in the commercial local news sector. Nevertheless, the regulator acknowledged it may be a contributing factor and pledged to continue monitoring the situation.
Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, offered a starker view. He warned of a 'structural imbalance', arguing that the BBC's publicly funded expansion squeezes commercial publishers who are vital for a healthy democracy.
In response, a BBC spokesperson welcomed Ofcom's findings and highlighted the corporation's ongoing efforts to deliver value and maintain impartiality. They confirmed further steps are being taken, including a broadening of the Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee's scope.
