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| Logo of the British Broadcasting Corporation |
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the world’s oldest national broadcaster and the United Kingdom’s public-service media organisation. It prides itself on being impartial, fair and accurate.
For decades, BBC News was seen as the most trusted news source in the world (Reuters Institute rankings 2015-2022). Its style—calm, fact-based, no shouting—is copied by public broadcasters in Canada (CBC), Australia (ABC), Japan (NHK), etc.
Yet in 2025, a scandal rocked the BBC, calling into question its integrity. A 19-page internal memo by Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC's editorial standards committee, was leaked to The Daily Telegraph. Chief among the examples of clear bias was a misleading edit in a Panorama documentary titled Trump: A Second Chance?, broadcast in October 2024.
The program spliced together non-consecutive parts of U.S. President Donald Trump's January 6, 2021, speech—specifically combining his remark "I’ll be there with you" (about marching to the Capitol) with a later phrase "fight like hell"—creating the false impression that he directly urged supporters to storm the Capitol and engage in violence
Other several examples of alleged systemic bias, including pro-Palestinian slant in BBC Arabic's Gaza coverage and suppression of stories critical of transgender activism (e.g., favoring "pregnant people" over "women"). Prescott accused the BBC of inaction despite internal warnings.
As a result, BBC Director-General Tim Davie and CEO of BBC News Deborah Turness resigned on 9 November 2025. The latest YouGov survey (covering this scandal) revealed that 50% of Britons feel that BBC is biased (31% feel that BBC shows left-wing bias while 19% view BBC favors the right-wing).
To summarise: It is a state-funded broadcaster caught doctoring primary-source footage of a sitting world leader, followed by the resignation of its entire top tier, during a funding-review year, while facing a billion-dollar lawsuit. That combination makes it arguably the worst crisis in the BBC’s 103-year history.
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| Leeds Castle, 2011 |
What does this mean for Christians?
Again, the purpose of this blog is to look at the theological aspect rather than to blame or defend the parties involved.
First lesson is that the truth is sacred. Jesus himself states that he is the truth, and therefore Christians should seek to present information as honestly as possible.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6
The Lord detests lying lips,
but he delights in people who are trustworthy. - Proverbs 12: 22
The second lesson is to beware of institutional loyalty trumping Christ. We can love our church/denomination/ministry, but never more than we love Jesus and His truth. If we see patterns of dishonesty or favouritism, we speak up.
Many in the BBC were aware of the bias, but chose to remain silent to keep their jobs.
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love. - Proverbs 27: 5
Lastly, we should pray for those in authority to do the right thing. The BBC shapes more worldviews than most pulpits. Its journalists, editors, and regulators are also children of God, and therefore need salvation and wisdom.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. - 1 Tim 2:1-2
Personally, it is a bit surreal for me that the scandal happened. Having studied and lived in the UK for 4 years, I often relied on the BBC for accurate information. This incident reminded me to "trust but verify".
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