BBC TV news revealed as most popular and trusted in union survey
BBC TV News is the most watched and trusted political news source according to a major survey of trade union members.
BBC Broadcasting House, London
The survey conducted by Survation on behalf of Bectu, the union for creative ambition, and its parent union Prospect, has revealed that BBC TV news is the most popular source of political news.
Nearly 70% (68%) of the people who took part said that they mostly got their political news from BBC TV among the places from which they mostly got their political news – higher than any other source.
News websites were the second most visited source of political news with 65% of respondents saying they used them.
BBC radio emerged as the third most popular source for political information with 45% saying they listened to it for political updates.
They survey also reveals that BBC TV news is trusted far more than other sources of political news. Close to half of the respondents (44%) said that BBC TV news was their most trusted source followed by news websites (30%) and BBC radio (27%).
Both under 30s and people aged between 30 – 39, who took part in the survey, cited BBC TV news as the most popular place for their political news and the source they trusted most.
Respected opinion polling company Survation conducted the survey online between 15 – 24 January 2020. The views of 6,462 workers from a wide range of industries including energy, telecoms and civil service were gathered.
The BBC recently announced changes to the way that news will be produced through greater centralisation of resources. As part of the changes 450 jobs will also be cut. All of these changes are being implemented because the BBC is now responsible for covering the cost of free licence fees for over 75s who are receiving pension credit.
Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:
“These findings come as no surprise to us. The BBC has an outstanding reputation for news because of the hard work of Bectu members.
“Bectu is the largest union at the BBC representing so many people who bring the news to TV and radio. The cuts that are being carried out place unprecedented pressure on our members and the viability of being able to deliver such a high standard of output is at risk.
“These cuts are taking place because of government policy which is clearly driven by political motives rather than looking at the role the BBC plays in British society. There needs to be greater recognition from the government about the level of engagement, trust and relationship the BBC has with its audiences rather than endless attacks and posturing about the future of it.”
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