“Dismay” as BBC rural champion role at risk of axe

A decision by the BBC to “review” the role of rural champion at the broadcaster has sparked concern, with one insider describing the move as an “effective suspension” of the job.

The role was created ten years ago after a review, commissioned by the BBC Trust, found the broadcaster’s rural coverage had a “metropolitan bias.”

See also: Ex-BBC editor opens up on BBC farming coverage

Dimitri Houtart, who was executive editor for BBC audio until he stepped down in August, had held the post of rural champion since 2014.

Before he left, he had spoken to BBC director general Tim Davie to say he needed to be replaced.

But a BBC spokesperson has since confirmed to Farmers Weekly that the role is “under review.”

Heather Hancock, who headed up the 2014 review and authored another report on the BBC’s countryside coverage in 2003, said she was “dismayed and utterly perplexed” by the reluctance to appoint a rural champion.

“The BBC has a duty to cover rural lives, rural issues, and the part the countryside plays in national life,” she added.

“Given the significance of farming, nature, food and water in daily national news coverage, the decision to downgrade rural expertise and editorial leadership jeopardises the intelligent, expert and informed reporting that we ought to expect from the BBC.  

“I urge the BBC to reconsider. It shouldn’t need an external report every decade to remind the BBC to keep faith with rural communities and everyone who cares about the countryside.”

Further concern has been raised internally at the BBC after the role of rural affairs correspondent was also downgraded.

What was once a standalone position has now been merged with a regional reporting role, with Jenny Kumah appointed the BBC’s South West England and rural affairs correspondent.

One BBC employee said: “Great to hear South West England has a rural affairs correspondent. What about the rest of the UK?”

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, pointed out the role had been created following criticism of the BBC’s coverage of the Liberty and Livelihood March in 2002.

“It has now been increasingly marginalised,” he said.

“We look forward to working with Jenny Kumar, but are concerned that she will not get the support she needs to properly cover rural issues.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has a broad range of farming and rural affairs programming and covers stories within our news coverage.

“We have appointed a new executive editor to lead our Radio 4 rural affairs output. The post chairs the BBC’s Rural Advisory Committee, which includes rural stakeholders and shares insight from across farming communities, as well as providing feedback on the BBC’s coverage and programming.”