An interview Steve Baker gave to Sky News in 2020 has added some useful context to recent Tory meddling with the BBC.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has cited bias in the Beeb as she discussed new measures aimed at boosting confidence in the corporation’s impartiality.
The reforms, announced as part of the BBC mid-term review, would give media regular Ofcom more powers over BBC’s online services, meaning it could gain enforcement action over BBC News website articles it does not believe meet relevant broadcast standards.
Currently, the communications regulator is only able to issue an opinion, but Government recommendations say Ofcom will be given increased oversight over the BBC’s online public services, including its YouTube channel.
Asked whether she thinks the BBC is biased, Ms Frazer said: “I think that on occasion it has been biased”, citing its reporting of a hospital attack in Gaza.
Other ministers, including Huw Merriman, have backed up her position.
And judging by this resurfaced clip, there could be a good reason why!
Discussing the matter in 2020, when former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre was being widely tipped to take up the position of Ofcom chief, here’s what Steve Baker had to say on the matter:
Related: Lucy Frazer praises GB News ‘balance’ after issuing warnings over BBC bias