Mr Mark Thompson
Broadcasting House
Portland Place
London
W1A 1AA

14th April 2007

Dear Mr Thompson

I wish to raise with you the manner in which in the BBC handles news and events concerning the Royal Family and the institution of the Monarchy.

Republic respects the BBC's reputation as a world leader in news and entertainment broadcasting and as a popular British institution. However, we do have serious reservations about the way in which the corporation reports royal issues.

We believe there is a clearly identifiable institutional bias, particularly within the BBC's national news output, toward presenting the Monarchy in a manner that is favourable to the institution and to members of the Royal Family. Opposition to the individuals, their activities and to the institution itself is routinely dismissed or played down, while at the same time the level of public support for the Monarchy is over-emphasised and presented in an unquestioning manner.

There are two particular criticisms within this complaint. Firstly, the BBC seems over-eager to report on trivial matters, such as a prince getting his A-Level results, or celebrating a birthday. On occasion such stories are placed as the main news headline in a bulletin or on the BBC News website. This has the effect of presenting the royals as harmless celebrities and reinforces the idea that they are somehow a special family that deserves extra attention and adulation.

Secondly, when covering more serious matters, such as accusations of political interference, the annual financial reports from Buckingham Palace and Clarence House, or debates about the future of the institution itself, the BBC appears very keen to tone down any anti-Monarchy comments or criticisms. News presenters have even gone as far as making pro-Monarchy remarks.

The most obvious case of this pro-Monarchy bias is at the time of the release of the royal financial reports. Each year the Palace engages in this PR exercise to try to allay concerns that the Windsor family is wasting public money. Every year they claim that they cost the taxpayer just £36m per annum. This figure has not been audited by the National Audit Office, nor properly scrutinised by anyone, and numerous expenses are excluded from these reports. The most notable exclusion is security, the cost of which has been estimated by The Times newspaper to be around £100m. Despite this, the BBC repeats the official Palace line word for word - stating unquestioningly that 'the Monarchy costs £36m'. The corporation has even allowed to go unchallenged the suggestion that the cost of the monarchy is offset by tourism revenue, a myth with no foundation in fact. The BBC's coverage of these reports essentially amounts to an unquestioning defence of the Monarchy.

We question whether the manner of royal reporting would be tolerated if it were applied to coverage of the government. As with the government the Monarchy is a contentious and contested institution. A substantial section of the British people oppose its very existence. When you report statements, claims and actions by the government you always ensure there is a critical or opposing voice to provide balance to your coverage. When reporting statements, claims and actions by the Monarchy and its resident family, that editorial balance evaporates.

We believe, and certainly hope, that this institutional bias in the BBC is the result of a cultural attitude rather than a deliberate decision making process. Whatever the cause, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the words of Sir Michael Lyons, who said on April 5th 2007: "Under my leadership, the [BBC] Trust will continue to safeguard the BBC's editorial independence and ensure that is impartial."

Whilst we accept that accusations of bias are routinely directed at the BBC I trust that you will consider this matter carefully and treat it with the seriousness with which it has been raised. I have copied this letter to a number of department heads and senior staff within the BBC, in the hope that we will provoke some discussion within the corporation and perhaps a better understanding of our concerns.

I would certainly welcome discussing this matter face to face with you or another representative of the BBC. Please contact me if you would like to arrange a meeting.

I look forward to your reply in due course.

Yours sincerely

Graham Smith
Campaign Manager
Republic