LONDON, January 29, 2026 – the BBC today released an independent review assessing how well its programming reflects the diversity of life across the United Kingdom, and it truly seems the broadcaster is largely on the right track-but with room to grow. The report, commissioned by the BBC Board, acknowledges significant strides in representation while pinpointing areas needing further attention.
A More Representative BBC: Progress and Priorities
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The review highlights the BBC’s progress in representing UK communities, notably through regional investment and diverse voices. Areas for improvement include more robust measurement of representation-considering factors like socio-economic background and geography-and strengthening local decision-making.The BBC has committed to doubling spending on content created in the nations of the UK and accelerating efforts to move commissioning roles out of London.
The review involved input from over 100 individuals both inside and outside the BBC, alongside audience research and content analysis.Former BAFTA Chair Anne Morrison and independent media consultant Chris Banatvala authored the report.
The BBC welcomes the findings, recognizing the progress made in recent years. The review, conducted by former BAFTA Chair Anne Morrison and independent media consultant Chris Banatvala, found that the BBC has made “significant progress” in portraying and representing the UK’s diverse communities. This includes increased investment in regional content and a broader range of voices both on and off-air.
What specific steps is the BBC taking to improve representation? The corporation plans to double its spending on high-impact content produced in the nations of the UK, shifting funds from central budgets. Additionally,the BBC will accelerate plans to relocate commissioning roles outside of London,aiming for more localized decision-making.
Strengthening Local Voices and Authentic Storytelling
The report emphasizes the importance of “rooting” production in specific locations, ensuring content is “made by people who understand it in depth.” This focus on local expertise is seen as crucial for authentic portrayal. Samir Shah, BBC Chair, underscored the need for decision-making to occur closer to audiences, fostering a sense of representation and bolstering the creative industries.
Morrison and Banatvala stated, “The BBC plays a central role in the UK’s cultural life, shaping our shared experience and reflecting the country to its audiences. It has made significant progress in portraying and representing the UK across its content. This review highlights areas for particular focus and we welcome the BBC’s recent announcements wich align with these priorities.”
Action Plan for Enhanced Representation
The BBC Executive has outlined a series of actions in response to the review, including:
- Improving the measurement of representation, encompassing socio-economic background and geography, with reporting beginning in the next financial year.
- Doubling spending on content in the nations, as announced in December 2025, and accelerating the relocation of commissioning roles.
- Systematically reviewing upcoming content to ensure authentic representation of underrepresented groups.
- Utilizing data to inform presenter progress and succession planning, considering social background, age, and geography.
- distributing census data to BBC staff and independent producers to enhance understanding of the UK population.
- Supporting production and skills development across the UK to drive authentic storytelling.
- Sharing the review across the BBC and regularly reporting on progress to the Executive Committee.
Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer, affirmed the BBC’s “unwavering” commitment to homegrown storytelling, regional investment, and supporting the UK’s creative industries. She acknowledged the progress made but emphasized the need for continued effort, stating, “We accept that challenge and we are committed to going further to meaningfully reflect the lives of the audiences we serve.”
The review encompassed network television, radio, and online content across the UK. Researchers consulted over 100 individuals, including program makers, commissioners, and media experts, and analyzed a wide range of BBC content, alongside audience feedback and complaints.
