Public prefers Channel 4 news, according to internal BBC report
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A report by the BBC Trust has warned that the public believes Channel 4 is ahead of the BBC in its investigative journalism and in making pioneering current affairs programmes.
"The Review of BBC Network News and Current Affairs" puts pressure on the flagship shows Panorama and Newsnight to produce more distinctive shows.
“Audiences who consider the quality of investigative journalism as an important factor in differentiating providers… rate Channel 4 higher than the BBC,” it said. “There was a perception that Channel 4 is more associated with being pioneering and taking risks than the BBC in its current affairs (and documentary) programming.”
Taken as a whole, BBC journalism was “trusted and highly-regarded”, the review found. But it noted that viewing of BBC current affairs output had fallen from 8.3 million adults per week in 2011 to 6.3 million in 2013, largely because the audience for Panorama had fallen by 20 per cent in 2013. This was mainly the result of smaller audiences for hour-long special editions of the show.
The Review acknowledged recent changes at Newsnight but said it was “too early” to judge their success. “We note the BBC’s determination to reinvigorate the programme in recent months, its fresh approach to both content and style and more active use of social media,” it said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments