BBC rural champion role at risk of being axed

A decision by the BBC to “review” the role of rural champion at the national broadcaster has prompted concern, with one BBC insider describing the move as an “effective suspension” of the job, the Farmers Weekly has reported.

Our members and supporters will remember that the role was created ten years ago after a review, commissioned by the BBC Trust, found the broadcaster’s rural coverage had a “metropolitan bias”. The review came after numerous complaints from the Countryside Alliance following its coverage of the Liberty and Livelihood March in 2002.

 Dimitri Houtart, who was executive editor for BBC audio until he stepped down in August, had held the post of rural champion since 2014.

Before he left, he had spoken to BBC director general Tim Davie to say he needed to be replaced.

But a BBC spokesperson has since confirmed that the role is “under review.”

Heather Hancock, who headed up the 2014 review and authored another report on the BBC’s countryside coverage in 2003, said she was “dismayed and utterly perplexed” by the reluctance to appoint a rural champion.

Speaking to the Farmers Weekly, she said:

“The BBC has a duty to cover rural lives, rural issues, and the part the countryside plays in national life

“Given the significance of farming, nature, food and water in daily national news coverage, the decision to downgrade rural expertise and editorial leadership jeopardises the intelligent, expert and informed reporting that we ought to expect from the BBC.

“I urge the BBC to reconsider. It shouldn’t need an external report every decade to remind the BBC to keep faith with rural communities and everyone who cares about the countryside.”

Additional concern has been voiced internally at the BBC after the role of rural affairs correspondent was seemingly downgraded.

The once standalone position has now been merged with a regional reporting role, with Jenny Kumah appointed the BBC’s South West England and rural affairs correspondent.

Tim Bonner, the Alliance’s Chief Executive said:

“The role has now been increasingly marginalised. We look forward to working with Jenny Kumar, but are concerned that she will not get the support she needs to properly cover rural issues. The countryside should not be an afterthought. Its issues are complex and of national significance and, crucially, it is a home and place of work for millions of people”.

In response to the Farmers Weekly, a BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has a broad range of farming and rural affairs programming and covers stories within our news coverage.

“We have appointed a new executive editor to lead our Radio 4 rural affairs output. The post chairs the BBC’s Rural Advisory Committee, which includes rural stakeholders and shares insight from across farming communities, as well as providing feedback on the BBC’s coverage and programming.”