BBC needs to connect more with people from lower income backgrounds say Ofcom

Ofcom has said that the BBC needs to do more to connect with people from lower income backgrounds.

The media watchdog's annual report on the corporation stated that people who are less well off are more likely to be dissatisfied with their portrayal on TV.

The report also said that poorer people are less engaged with the BBC's output and under-represented in the corporation's workforce.

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Ofcom stated that audiences from lower income backgrounds are “less likely to give a positive rating for statements such as the BBC ‘provides content made for UK audiences’ and ‘provides a broad mix of content’ compared to the UK average”.

The BBC has said it is developing content aimed at these audiences including lighter drama, crime drama and comedy drama. Ofcom also acknowledged that the BBC would be commissioning more sports documentaries and entertainment competitions aimed at this demographic.

With these findings, Ofcom announced that would begin a review into how the BBC services poorer people.

It also wants the broadcaster to set out its overall strategy for improving perceptions among disenfranchised audiences, including how it is acting on viewer and listener research.

The report also noted that the BBC's reach continues to decline, particularly with younger audiences though the use of iPlayer continues to grow.

Ofcom said that the BBC faces tough financial choices as its faces competition from global streaming services and rising production costs while the licence fee is being held at its current level until 2024.

Earlier this year, the BBC announced various cuts across its services including to local radio which will see less unique content made on a regional basis.

In response to the report, the BBC said: “Ofcom recognises our investment in distinctive UK content, how we bring audiences together for major national moments and the significance of our trusted, impartial news, which means we’re delivering on our remit and delivering value for audiences.

"While BBC is the most used media brand for low socio-economic groups, we know we have further to go both on and off screen so we are commissioning ever more varied content that reflects UK communities and we’ve set a new staff target, for 25% of staff to come from low socio-economic backgrounds to ensure we’re serving all audiences.”

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