THE idea that the BBC has stuck to its obligations under its Royal Charter through coverage of the monarchy is “laughable”, The National has been told.
The BBC’s royal charter, which forms the constitutional basis for the BBC and sets out its mission and purposes, makes clear the corporation’s obligations when it comes to representing a diversity of opinion.
Section 6.4 of the charter – which came into effect in 2017 – says that the BBC “should reflect the diversity of the United Kingdom both in its output and services” and “raise awareness of the different cultures and alternative viewpoints that make up its society”.
And section 10.2 states that the BBC “must make arrangements to ensure that the diverse perspectives and interests of the public and audiences, including licence fee payers, across the whole of the United Kingdom are taken into account”.
Asked if he believed the BBC was upholding its obligations under these parts of the Royal Charter, Our Republic convener Tristan Gray said the idea was “pretty laughable at this point”.
Minority of Scots support the monarchy
Gray pointed to polling published in May which found that only 45% of people in Scotland supported keeping the monarchy in place.
He said it was “irresponsible” for the BBC not to present opposing views, adding: “When under half of the population supports the monarchy you expect to see some diversity of opinion.”
The focus of the criticism falls not on the coverage of events which mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth, but instead on those around the accession of King Charles III (below).
Drawing a distinction between the two, Gray went on: “I’m unconvinced that [the BBC] is abiding by that charter right now. We have just seen this absolute tidal wave of reporting that is entirely about what is happening in the wake of the passing of the Queen. A lot of coverage is almost fawning over the monarchy.
“[Charles’s accession] has been treated with the same reverence as the funeral procession.
“When you have also got the transfer of power we should expect a balance of opinion and we are not getting that.”
A protest in Edinburgh on Sunday involving Our Republic activists led to two arrests and sparked outrage across the UK. Broadcaster Andrew Marr and Tory peer and avowed Brexiteer Daniel Hannan were among public figures to raise concerns about free speech after the incident.
There was another arrest in Edinburgh on Monday after a man allegedly shouted abuse at the disgraced Prince Andrew during the Queen’s funeral cortege.
However, no reports on these incidents have made the BBC Scotland news website – which on Monday afternoon had 22 individual stories and videos on the monarchy before any “other news” featured.
'A complete dereliction of duty'
Echoing the criticism from Gray, Alba general secretary Chris McEleny (below) said that it was “right” to provide in-depth coverage of the Queen’s passing – but that the BBC should not “censor” other stories.
McEleny said: “Her Majesty the Queen was loved by many supporters of monarchy, admired by people across the world ... Therefore of course it is right for the BBC to provide coverage to events and services in her honour.
“However, it is a complete dereliction of duty for the BBC to censor any and all matters clearly in the public interest that do not fit their agenda.
“In the months to come there should of course be debates on matters such as why King Charles III will be allowed to participate in a state-sanctioned tax avoidance scheme to avoid paying 40% tax on his inheritance.
“There is a dangerous element of mandatory conformity creeping in when it seems there is no friction between days of celebration for the Proclamation of Charles but there is for those that want to defend the fundamental principles of democracy.”
Dr Inge Sorensen, a lecturer in media policy at the University of Glasgow, said that there were times when the issue of balance in output “doesn’t apply in the same way”.
She said: “I think it is just one of those where representing the other side doesn’t really apply as much. Why would it?
“You don’t really cover critical voices at a time of national mourning. Going back to any kind of national event, that sort of goes out of the window.”
The BBC did not respond to The National’s request for comment.
