Media Bias in Public Broadcasting: A Study of the BBC’s News Coverage (2023)

Media Bias in Public Broadcasting Dissertation – This dissertation investigates bias in the BBC’s news coverage, focusing on three key events: the 2019 UK general election, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests in 2020. The study aims to measure and analyse how bias manifests in the BBC’s reporting, using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative content analysis and qualitative framing analysis. The research addresses three main questions: (1) How does the BBC’s news coverage align with its commitment to impartiality? (2) What types of bias are evident in BBC reporting? (3) How do external factors influence BBC reporting?

The quantitative analysis involved counting the frequency of certain words, phrases and sources in the BBC’s coverage. This revealed patterns of bias in sourcing, language use and framing. For example, the BBC’s coverage of the 2019 general election and the COVID-19 pandemic relied heavily on official and political sources, potentially marginalising alternative perspectives. Similarly, the BBC’s coverage of the BLM protests often used emotive language and emphasised conflict over solidarity, potentially shaping public perceptions of the movement.

The qualitative analysis provided deeper insights into how bias is embedded in the BBC’s reporting. For instance, the BBC’s coverage of the 2019 general election often framed the election as a contest between two leaders, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn, rather than focusing on their policy proposals. Similarly, the BBC’s coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic often framed the crisis as a public health emergency, with less focus on the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. These findings highlight the subtle ways in which bias can influence public perceptions of events and issues.

The study concludes that while the BBC strives to provide balanced and accurate reporting, its commitment to impartiality is often tested by external pressures, such as political scrutiny and audience expectations. The findings have important implications for public trust and democracy, particularly in the context of declining trust in media. The study recommends that the BBC diversify its sources, use neutral language, broaden its framing and increase transparency to ensure that its coverage is truly impartial and inclusive.

By addressing these challenges, the BBC can strengthen its commitment to impartiality and promote informed debate in a polarised and rapidly changing media environment. This study contributes to the broader literature on media bias and public broadcasting, providing valuable insights into the challenges of maintaining impartiality in a complex and dynamic media landscape.

Dissertation Aim and Questions

The aim of this dissertation is to investigate and measure media bias in the BBC’s news coverage. To achieve this, the study will address the following research questions:

• How does the BBC’s news coverage align with its commitment to impartiality?
• What types of bias (e.g., political, ideological, cultural) are evident in BBC reporting?
• How do external factors (e.g., political pressure, audience expectations) influence BBC reporting?

• 12,000 words – 40 pages in length
• Excellent us of literature
• Good analysis of subject area
• Well written throughout
• Ideal for media and cultural studies students

1 – Introduction
The Role of the BBC in Public Broadcasting
Defining Media Bias
The Importance of Studying Bias in the BBC
Research Aim and Questions
Significance of the Study

2 – Literature Review
Introduction
Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Media Bias
Framing Theory
Agenda-Setting Theory
Framing in the BBC’s Reporting
Agenda-Setting in the BBC’s Reporting
Gatekeeping Theory
Gatekeeping in the BBC’s Reporting
Media Bias in Public Broadcasting
Gatekeeping in the BBC’s Reporting
The BBC’s Commitment to Impartiality
Perceptions of Bias
Comparative Studies
Recent Developments in Public Broadcasting
Types of Bias in BBC Reporting
Political Bias
Ideological Bias
Cultural Bias
Gaps in the Literature

3 – Methodology
Research Design
Quantitative Approach
Qualitative Approach
Justification for Mixed Methods
Data Collection
Sampling Strategy
Data Sources
Coding Framework
Analytical Framework
Quantitative Analysis
Qualitative Analysis
Confidentiality and Transparency
Limitations
Sample Size
Time Frame

4 – Analysis and Findings
Quantitative Findings
Source Diversity
Language Use
Framing
Qualitative Findings
2019 General Election
COVID-19 Pandemic
Black Lives Matter Protests
Discussion of Findings
Summary

5 – Discussion
Introduction
Implications of the Findings
How Does the BBC’s News Coverage Align with Its Commitment to Impartiality?
What Types of Bias Are Evident in BBC Reporting?
How Do External Factors Influence BBC Reporting?
Comparison with Previous Studies
Political Bias
Ideological Bias
Cultural Bias
Recommendations for the BBC
Diversify Sources
Use Neutral Language
Broaden Framing
Increase Transparency

6 – Conclusion
Key Findings
Contribution to Knowledge
Limitations of the Study
Implications for Public Broadcasting
Final Thoughts

References

Appendix