![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/how-the-bbcs-economics-journalism-came-under-attack/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/TELEMMGLPICT000313172208_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bqum6OQPaUJpZykkxjxy_Nsi9pwYfEaQr1NjIIElEkcp4.jpeg&description=In a scene worthy of the mockumentary W1A, BBC presenter Samira Ahmed last month hauled a senior BBC editor onto her show for a grilling about the BBC's coverage of the economy. In the exchange with Dominic Ball, Ahmed cited complaints from viewers about the broadcaster's 'scare-mongering' in the wake of the mini-Budget, and accusations it was in a jubilant mood over the crisis in Government. It was far from an isolated complaint. Jacob Rees-Mogg, then-Business Secretary, used a recent appearance on Radio 4's Today programme to accuse the organisation of failing in its commitment to impartiality. With the economy front and centre of the news agenda, the BBC has come under fresh scrutiny over the slant – and quality – of its coverage on the biggest story in town. The right is increasingly unhappy over what it regards as unnecessary airtime given to left-wing economists calling for higher taxes, and demanding there is no return to austerity. Recent guests in the prime business slots have included Richard Murphy, a professor at Sheffield University who has called for interest rate cuts and higher borrowing to fund public services in the teeth of the recession. Other academics and public figures have used the BBC to suggest that supermarkets should accept zero profits during the current crisis and to repeatedly demand windfall taxes. Critics also argue that presenters and guests frequently describe spending as "investment", while proposed tax cuts have been dismissed as "unfunded" - in a phrase that, it is claimed, betrays a lack of understanding that the money in question belongs to workers who have earned it. While the corporation is well-versed in fending off criticism, and insists that it gives fair weight to all sides of the arguments, the comments highlight broader disquiet with Auntie's business and economics reporting. While the corporation is well-versed in fending off criticism, the comments highlight broader disquiet with Auntie's business and economics repor){kind=link}
The corporation has been accused of neglecting its coverage of the biggest story in town
In a scene worthy of the mockumentary W1A, BBC presenter Samira Ahmed last month hauled a senior BBC editor onto her show for a grilling about the BBC’s coverage of the economy.
In the exchange with Dominic Ball, Ahmed cited complaints from viewers about the broadcaster’s “scare-mongering” in the wake of the mini-Budget, and accusations it was in a jubilant mood over the crisis in Government.
It was far from an isolated complaint. Jacob Rees-Mogg, then-Business Secretary, used a recent appearance on Radio 4’s Today programme to accuse the organisation of failing in its commitment to impartiality. With the economy front and centre of the news agenda, the BBC has come under fresh scrutiny over the slant – and quality – of its coverage on the biggest story in town.
The right is increasingly unhappy over what it regards as unnecessary airtime given to left-wing economists calling for higher taxes, and demanding there is no return to austerity.