Complaint
In this documentary, Laura Kuenssberg profiled Reform UK and sought to explore its ambitions, organisation and influence. A viewer complained it gave the appearance of being a “showcase” for Reform UK and questioned why other political parties were not afforded similar programmes. The ECU considered whether the programme was duly impartial under the terms set out in the BBC Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
Subjects for BBC television current affairs programmes often reflect current trends. There is no requirement, except in election periods, that a programme on one political party should be accompanied by other party profiles, or that decisions to commission programmes should be dictated by past choices. The ECU acknowledged some viewers might have preferred a different approach to coverage of Reform UK but found no evidence the programme lacked editorial rigour.
Not Upheld
