APPENDIX F 

TERMS OF REFERENCE 

To assess the impartiality of the BBC's network news and factual coverage of the four 
nations of the United Kingdom, having particular regard to the duly impartial coverage of 
matters of political controversy and matters of public policy. 

In assessing the BBC's coverage, to consider issues of accuracy, context and balance as 
follows: 

• in considering accuracy, to assess in particular if it is clear whether or not the facts 
and views conveyed in the output apply to each individual nation; 


• in considering context, to assess, where relevant, whether or not the nations' 
differing policies – with regard to both devolved policies and other matters – are 
appositely reflected in the content and also whether or not significant relevant 
factors are adequately explained; and 


• in considering balance, to assess in particular whether or not the output gives 
appropriate weight to the actions and policies of the devolved administrations and 
at the same time gives due weight to the views expressed by the political parties, 
other groups and individuals concerning those actions and policies, and also gives 
due weight to the way points of view may vary both across individual nations and 
across the UK. 




The review takes place in the light of the BBC's commitment to impartiality in reporting 
and commenting on news and current affairs, its commitment to informing citizens and its 
commitment to sustaining democracy. It takes place also against the background of the 
substantial devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over the past 
decade. The review will assess the BBC's coverage as detailed above and will make 
recommendations, where necessary, to the BBC Trust. 

Scope 

This review covers factual network coverage of the four nations on radio, television and 
online. It will concentrate on news and current affairs and news online. It excludes drama, 
music and entertainment. Issues of portrayal and harm and offence are excluded.