Less than a quarter of young people aged 16-24 (23%) tuned into the BBC’s TV news programmes in the past year, Ofcom’s latest report into the broadcaster’s news and current affairs output has revealed.

In its review, which was launched in March, Ofcom said its research found young viewers were increasingly finding their news via social media and aggregator services.

The report states that when people find their news this way their engagement is typically “fleeting” and that they usually only read a headline or brief paragraph before moving on.

It said: “For some whom we spoke to, the BBC is just ‘one of many’ online news providers.”

The report advised: “As more people rely on social media and aggregator platforms for news, the BBC’s online content needs to do more to stand out – or risk losing its reputation and status as a trusted voice.”

Ofcom carried out its research over the spring and summer of 2019, gathering views from people across the UK and commissioning research in order to find out how people consume news, as well as comparing the BBC’s output to other providers. 

Pointing to a perceived lack of diversity apparent in the BBC’s coverage, Ofcom said the channel is seen by some as “representing a white, middle-class and London-centric point of view that is not relevant to their lives”.

It continued: “The BBC’s heritage and longevity can inspire trust, but we also heard the BBC described as Westminster-focused and speaking for, and to, a small section of society. Some viewers told us they see the BBC’s television bulletins as stuffy and limited in range.

“The perceived lack of diversity in BBC reporters and presenters, or the lack of different viewpoints, was also raised by people from minority ethnic backgrounds. The BBC should better represent the whole of the UK with authentic news and current affairs content that feels relevant and engaging to all audiences.”

The report also states that some viewers believed the corporation gave too much coverage of “extreme views”.

It also found that those most critical of the BBC over alleged bias tended to themselves hold the strongest political views.

It said: “When it came to content, audiences perceived the BBC as giving too much coverage to extreme voices while others criticised ‘false equivalence’ in its reporting.

“Those who were critical of the BBC’s impartiality also tended to hold the strongest political views. The current polarised political climate presents a challenge to the BBC in how it approaches due impartiality.”

Research carried out by Ofcom found that while 71% of people surveyed perceived BBC News’ TV output as trustworthy and accurate, just 59% of the same group said it was impartial. 

As one of its main conclusions, the Ofcom report stated the corporation’s editorial complaints process lacks transparency, with a particular focus on the recent controversy surrounding the BBC’s handling of the Naga Munchetty case. 

The report said the BBC: “Should provide more transparency on the reasons for its findings on compliance with its editorial guidelines which reflect the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

“We will be addressing the BBC’s lack of transparency in this area as a matter of urgency”

Despite describing the broadcaster as the UK’s “primary source of news”, it warned that the BBC News had been damaged as a result of its handling of “reputational issues” such as the gender pay dispute.

The report states: “Despite an uncertain political environment, it has maintained its reputation among most people for trusted and accurate reporting.

“Audiences told us that these were a news provider’s most important attributes, particularly during breaking news stories. In a world of fake news and disinformation online, they said they turn to the BBC for a reliable take on events.

“However, some people we spoke to told us that their trust in the BBC had been damaged by reputational issues, such as its handling of the gender pay dispute.”

The report stated that “accurate news provision” must remain the foremost priority for the BBC, adding: “Maintaining an intense focus on this is the best way for the BBC to retain and strengthen its reputation. As long as people continue to turn to the BBC at important moments, it has the opportunity to attract and serve the broadest range of audiences.”

As well as making a comment on Ofcom’s annual report as a whole, a spokesperson for the BBC also detailed the broadcaster’s response to the specific investigation into the news and current affairs section of the organisation.

A spokesperson for the BBC said: “We welcome Ofcom’s recognition of our reputation for trusted, accurate news; that we provide a range and depth of analysis not widely available from other UK news providers; and importantly, that we remain the place people turn to most when they want to know what’s going on. We will do all we can to maintain this trust and serve all audiences across the UK.”

The spokesperson continued: “Ofcom notes that people’s perceptions of due impartiality are often coloured by their own beliefs, and that the BBC’s unique status means we are subject to greater scrutiny than other news providers.”

The BBC also pointed out that Ofcom had not upheld any complaint against the BBC on the grounds of impartiality. They said: Being an impartial broadcaster means people will hear from a wide range of people, including views that they don’t agree with, but we will continue to give different views their due weight so audiences the context they need to understand what’s happening in the world.”

The spokesperson for the broadcaster also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to “ensuring the BBC serves all audiences and reflects and represents the whole of today’s UK.”

They continued: “While we have made progress in reflecting this in our workforce we have been clear there is still more to do.

“As Ofcom has recognised, in today’s digital world it’s vital that the BBC engages with young audiences online, which it’s why we will continue to develop our offer for young people.”