Over many years, the BBC has been accused of bias from the left and right. Accusations of questioning Labour or Conservative politicians too rigorously or letting certain politicians of certain parties off the hook in interviews are rife. Rumours about the views of the BBC presenters themselves are never ending. But why? Because the public pay for the BBC. It's our broadcaster, shown all around the world and should fairly reflect different views. There is, without doubt, one part of the BBC with no impartiality at all.
The weather. The topic that - when all other means of conversation have been exhausted - can always be commented on. The issue that affects our moods, spirits and the amount of food we grow, sell and buy. Thousands, probably millions of jobs rely on the weather from farming to tourism, skiing instructors to weather presenters - weather is vital. So on such a divisive, important element of life, why do the BBC not treat this issue like others - impartially? Why are their views on weather openly partial? On the burning problem of the weather, the BBC presumes we all love hot, sunny weather and despise cold, wet weather. Snow, when Britain actually gets some, is openly dismissed as an unnecessary menace; the BBC thinks that all people watching the forecast agree. The positive, joyful tone of the weather presenters when hot weather is inevitable fails to reflect those of us who find boiling weather unbearable. Similarly, the negative, downbeat tone as colder weather arrives reflects only the weather presenter's own opinion - and what they believe the public think. The BBC's obsession with soaring temperatures is drawn out with photos by 'Weather Watchers.' Imagine that as a job - watching the sky with beady binoculars, taking a snap and being paid £500. Anyone would say yes to that. The photos are almost always of bright areas of beauty; the sunshine icon in the corner of the screen oozing positivity. While the pictures are undoubtedly pleasing to the eye, in reality, the sweltering conditions are unbearable. Yes, the Sun gives us vital vitamins, but it's far easier to warm yourself up than cool yourself down. Any wetter, darker images shown are used only as a negative contrast - anyone who prefers that sort of weather is dismissed by the presenter. I cherish and love the BBC. When I begin to pay the licence fee, I will do so knowing it is worth every penny. The BBC's impartiality is what makes it excellent, but it must be used across all platforms. Be willing to express different views on the weather; don't assume one form of weather fits all. Maybe I'm the first to notice this complete lack of balance. Or maybe I just need a chill pill.
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Author:Noah enjoys writing a blog and drinking tea Archives
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