Many Conservatives feel that the BBC is biased. The very mention of the organisation at a Conservative event usually elicits a negative response from at least one person. It appears an accepted fact within Conservative circles that the BBC is politically left-leaning. There are even blogs that chart ‘evidence’ of such bias.

Tonight on the BBC Six O’Clock News I watched a report from America. In it Matt Frei told the story of a Democratic candidate running in Chicago who had been wounded in action in Iraq. She is standing in a Republican-held seat. The report was not balanced. The Republican candidate was ridiculed by the correspondent throughout. In contrast, the Democratic candidate was lauded, continually shown in a positive light. Now I am no big supporter of Bush’s Republicans, however, to suggest that this BBC report was balanced would be pushing it somewhat.

Yesterday, I found this post written by the BBC Director of News. It makes for interesting reading. I believe that it is encouraging that this meeting on supposed BBC bias was convened. Whether this was in response to the increased availability of information via the internet (i.e. competition),or a genuine desire to strengthen the impartiality of the BBC is open to question; however, for the BBC to be discussing these issues can only be a good thing.

My opinion has always been that Conservatives should stop carping about BBC Bias and get on with working hard to get their message over to the populace through other media outlets. This is one of the main reasons why I am so excited about the creation of 18 Doughty Street. The BBC does not necessarily set the agenda anymore. It will have to follow stories if the people (and other TV channels) ask the questions. We have as much responsibility (and opportunity) to inform Britain as the BBC does.