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The “depth” and impartiality of the news programmes of the publicly-funded British broadcast is under review. The Ofcom probe was launched yesterday after being announced in late 2018. The regulator is looking into whether the broadcast remains a “trusted destination for audiences” even as the national debate become more and more polarised with Brexit.

In its first annual report on the BBC, Ofcom said: “We will look at the range and depth of analysis in news and current affairs, across all platforms, and how this compares with other UK news providers.” The British broadcaster is still believed to be performing well “in many respects”. However, the regulator voiced its concerns regarding a noted increase in the proportion of panel-style current affairs programmes, which Ofcom said “do not tend to reflect in-depth investigative journalism”. Ofcom continued: “In addition, we are concerned that the BBC has also more than halved the hours of This World, its only dedicated international current affairs show. READ MORE: BBC Brexit bias: Fiona Bruce accused of favouring REMAINER in BBC Question Time debut

Ofcom is reviewing BBC News following bias claims

“The BBC has a particular responsibility here, given its remit, and can provide an important counterbalance to news accessed through social media. “We think there is value in looking further at how the BBC provides depth of analysis and range of content in its news and current affairs across its TV, radio and online platforms.” Even regular viewers seem to be concerned over the impartiality of BBC, the report highlights, with just 61 percent of regular BBC News TV viewers rated its news output highly for providing impartial news, the report said. Ofcom said: “BBC needs to lead the way in providing trustworthy news and current affairs content across all platforms, to help UK audiences engage effectively with the world around them.

The BBC 'needs to lead the way in promoting trustworthy news', Ofcom said

“The current news environment makes this challenging. “As national debates become more polarised, it becomes harder for broadcasters to be seen to be accurate and impartial. "The BBC has to ensure that it devotes the appropriate resources to maintain its position.” Earlier this year, BBC Question Time’s presenter Fiona Bruce was accused of favouring remain-backing guests during her programme broadcasted on January 10.

Ofcom is concerned over the impartiality of the BBC