BBC Chairman Calls for More Working-Class Northerners to Balance Liberal Bias

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In his first interview as BBC chairman, Samir Shah has made it clear that he intends to shake up the corporation. Soft-spoken and unassuming in appearance, the 73-year-old former program maker is determined to bring significant changes, from tackling editorial standards to reforming how the BBC handles misconduct among its stars.  

 

Addressing Bias and Improving Editorial Standards  

Shah acknowledges long-standing criticisms that the BBC leans towards a liberal, metropolitan viewpoint. He attributes this to recruitment patterns, with most journalists coming from arts and humanities backgrounds that skew center-left. To counteract this, he argues that the BBC needs more representation from working-class northern communities to better reflect the diversity of opinion across the UK.  

 

The chairman also wants stricter editorial oversight after the recent controversy surrounding a Gaza documentary, which had to be removed from BBC iPlayer due to key editorial oversights. He insists that mistakes should be swiftly acknowledged and corrected, and has called for a full investigation into the commissioning process behind the film.  

 

Cracking Down on Star Privileges  

Another major concern for Shah is the side earnings of BBC presenters, who often make large sums by hosting private events and delivering paid speeches. He wants to end this practice, arguing that BBC employees should be committed to the corporation rather than seeking extra income. His message is blunt: "If they feel underpaid, they are free to leave."  

 

In addition, he is taking a tough stance on misconduct within the BBC. Following scandals involving high-profile figures like Russell Brand, Tim Westwood, and Huw Edwards, Shah is pushing for stronger internal accountability. He proposes an independent investigative unit to protect junior staff and swiftly handle misconduct cases.  

 

Rethinking the BBC’s Role in Business and Sports Coverage  

Shah believes the BBC has historically placed too much emphasis on politics at the expense of business coverage. He wants the network to focus more on wealth creation and the role of business, rather than relying on a government-focused perspective.  

Sports programming could also see changes under his leadership. He suggests revamping *Match of the Day* by reducing highlights and focusing more on in-depth analysis, acknowledging that most fans already see match footage online before the show airs.  

 

Reforming BBC Funding and Global Reach  

One of the biggest challenges facing the BBC is funding. With the traditional license fee under pressure, Shah favors a progressive household levy based on income or council tax bands, rather than the current flat fee. He also supports taxing US streaming giants operating in the UK to reinvest in the British creative industry.  

 

Despite declining television audiences, Shah sees an opportunity for the BBC’s global expansion. He wants to double the World Service’s reach to a billion people, particularly in response to increasing Chinese and Russian state-backed media influence. He argues that the West is “losing the battle for truth” and that an independent BBC is crucial to countering global propaganda.  

 

Pushing for Long-Term BBC Reform  

Looking ahead, Shah is advocating for a fundamental change in the BBC’s governance. He believes the Royal Charter, which dictates the corporation’s structure and is renewed every ten years, should be extended to 15 or 20 years to allow for more stability and flexibility in adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape.  

 

While his proposed reforms face significant challenges, Shah remains determined to reshape the BBC for the future—though he admits that reviving his struggling football team, Manchester United, might be an even tougher task.  

 

Based on a report by The Times  2025-03-11

 

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