Republic, the largest anti-monarchy group in Britain, has written to BBC Director General Mark Thompson, to complain about institutional bias toward the monarchy.
In the letter Republic Campaign Manager Graham Smith said: “There is a clearly identifiable institutional bias, particularly within the BBC’s national news output, toward presenting the Monarchy in a manner that is favourable to the institution”.
“The BBC seems over-eager to report on trivial matters, such as a prince getting his A-Level results, or celebrating a birthday. When covering more serious matters the BBC appears very keen to tone down any anti-Monarchy comments or criticisms.”
Citing reports on royal finances, Republic pointed out that the BBC’s coverage “amounts to an unquestioning defence of the Monarchy.”
The letter acknowledged that accusations of bias are routinely directed at the BBC, but questioned whether the manner of royal reporting would be tolerated if it were applied to coverage of the government.
“When you report statements, claims and actions by the government you always ensure there is a critical or opposing voice to provide balance to your coverage. When reporting statements, claims and actions by the Monarchy and its resident family, that editorial balance evaporates.”
The new Chair of the BBC Trust, Michael Lyons, recently committed to ensuring editorial impartiality, saying “Under my leadership, the Trust will continue to safeguard the BBC’s editorial independence and ensure that is impartial.”
The Republic letter was copied to a number of senior BBC directors and editors, in the hope of prompting serious debate within the corporation about the nature of royal coverage.