Letter from Tony Hall, BBC Director-General to Julian Knight MP

Dear Mr Knight,

I have read the reports today in newspapers about your views of the BBC’s coverage of the Brexit debate and associated issues.

Impartiality has always been the cornerstone of BBC News. It remains so today. We do not take it for granted and we go to great lengths to ensure that we balance our coverage and address all issues from a wide range of different perspectives. It is one of the reasons why the public trusts the BBC more than any other source of news.

I agree with you that these are consequential times. For that reason, it is more important than ever that the BBC’s journalism is independent of political pressure.

Our political, economics and business editors - alongside their teams and colleagues in local radio, across the nations and around the world - do an extraordinary job day in day out. The public hugely values the work they do, and so do I.

We are also always alive to our critics, recognising that at times of great national debate strong opinions will be expressed about our coverage on all sides.

We will continue to listen respectfully and respond wherever appropriate. Above all, we will guard our independence, report the news diligently and impartially, and continue to fulfil our mission on behalf of all our audiences.

We recognise the importance of the BBC to the UK at home and abroad at this important moment for the country’s future.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Hall
Director-General