BBC journalists 'lack understanding of basic economics': Report

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An independent review suggested that BBC journalists "lack understanding of basic economics," which "brings a high risk to impartiality," The Telegraph reported on Monday.

Commissioned by the BBC Board into the broadcaster’s coverage of taxation, public expenditure, and government borrowing and debt policies, the review was tasked to economics experts Michael Blastland and Sir Andrew Dilnot.

"We think too many journalists lack understanding of basic economics or lack confidence in reporting it. This brings a high risk to impartiality," the two authors indicated.

According to Blastland and Dilnot, "Some journalists seem to feel instinctively that debt is simply bad, full stop, and don’t appear to realise this can be contested and contestable."

They continued, “Several general assumptions seem to lurk like this either unnoticed or uncorrected. Others that outsiders observed in BBC coverage were ‘more public spending is good’ and ‘tax cuts are good’."

The review pointed to one on-air statement in which a BBC journalist suggested that the government "will have to…" In this regard, the authors said, “We appreciate this was made live and might have been unintended." However, they underlined that "BBC journalists should exercise extreme caution before suggesting a government ‘will have to…’ raise taxes, cut taxes, cut spending, raise spending, cut debt, raise debt, etc - in any area."

Elsewhere, Blastland and Dilnot identified "an occasional temptation to hype - and we think hype an is impartiality issue," saying, "We don’t want to be bored either, but see breathless stories or headlines that seem to chase excitement by slanting data or evidence."

The review also noted that occasionally, data had been presented in "the most alarming way" possible.

The two authors made clear that their review was aimed at "non-specialist" BBC reporters but indicated that "even senior journalists" have shown that they don’t fully understand all of the arguments.

"This has provided new insight for us in how we understand and deliver due impartiality in this vital area of public policy," the BBC Board said in response to the review.

The Board considered that "the review as a whole provides clear indications for how we can improve editorial standards and audience impact as a result."

It added that it had requested BBC's Director-General Tim Davie and his executive team to "address the issues raised and put together a plan of action."

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