Part 5/12:
Darren added that the BBC's funding model exacerbates the problem. Unlike Australia’s ABC, which relies on government funding without a mandatory fee structure, the BBC employs a compulsory license fee, forcing all TV owners to contribute regardless of their viewership or agreement with its coverage. With declining trust, such funding models are increasingly seen as unsustainable.
The Downplaying of Crime and Trafficking
The portrayal—or lack thereof—of illegal immigration and human trafficking has become a contentious point. Critics suggest that not only has the BBC been cautious or reticent in reporting these issues, but it may also be complicit in downplaying their severity. The result has been a disconnect between public perception and what is portrayed in mainstream media.