BBC launches review of migration coverage

The BBC Board is to launch an independent review of the broadcaster’s coverage of major migration topics affecting the UK.

 It will consider whether due impartiality is being delivered across BBC content and that a breadth of voices and viewpoints are being reflected.

Leading expert on migration data and director of the Migration Observatory based at Oxford University, Madeleine Sumption will jointly head the review with broadcasting executive and  chief executive of Juniper, Samir Shah.

The review will explore coverage of topics such as “small boats” crossing the English Channel; the admission of refugees fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion; the impact of migration on communities in the UK including the devolved nations and the English regions; the UK Government’s policy on sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda; and coverage of public announcements about migration.

BBC Chairman Richard Sharp, said, “Madeleine Sumption and Samir Shah are well-known for their expert understanding of the issues involved in delivering impartial coverage of migration, which is an important and often intensely contested subject.

“Their combination of evidence-based academic research and working knowledge of impartiality in broadcasting make them highly qualified to lead the thematic review into BBC  migration output.

“Their findings will ensure the BBC continues to have the correct approach to producing coverage that audiences can trust.”

The review will examine all UK public service radio, television, and online content, as well as related social media use. It will specifically assess News and Factual content, but will not be limited to News & Current Affairs.

Sumption and Shah will also review audience research; the opinions of experts, informed commentators and major stakeholders; relevant complaints; and seek input from BBC staff.

The BBC Board will publish the review’s findings and any recommendations that it makes, with review due to launch in the coming days.