Ninety-four per cent of respondents to a new Countryside Alliance (CA) poll have rejected the claim that the BBC covers rural issues fairly and impartially.
The survey, which canvassed more than 3,400 CA members, was launched in response to the broadcaster’s announcement last month that it had set up an internal content review for specific programmes, including Countryfile.
The CA poll found 92 per cent believed the BBC’s national news failed to represent rural issues, while 89 per cent felt the same about Countryfile 79 per cent about The Archers.
Respondents claimed such programmes offered a ’sanitised’ perspective on rural life, steering away from ’realistic portrayals’ of farming while avoiding dialogue on hunting and shooting.
Presenters of BBC programmes were also found to negatively impact viewers’ experiences, with Chris Packham heavily criticised for bias.
Tim Bonner, CA chief executive, said: "It might make for difficult internal discussions, but ultimately, if the BBC is to enjoy the support of rural viewers it needs to make robust decisions about whether to employ controversial presenters with an overt and aggressive campaigning agenda."
He added the broadcaster must also appreciate the minority rural audience does not feel fully represented.
"There is a desire for rural programming for the countryside, not just about the countryside," he said.
"In short, rural programming should not only take into account what urban viewers may find of interest and it needs to showcase the value of important rural activities like farming, shooting, hunting and angling."
Respondents called for an increase in material covering farming, land management and country pursuits across all BBC media as well as the illumination of the difficult realities of rural living, from the absence of infrastructure and affordable housing to loneliness.
A BBC spokesperson said: "We always welcome feedback and we are very proud of the range of programming we provide.
"Programmes such as Countryfile and Farming Today cover a range of topics and views when reporting on farming and rural life across the UK as well as within our news coverage.
"As part of ongoing work to ensure the highest editorial standards across all our output, Countryfile is one of many programmes to be reviewed - it has not been selected because of any particular impartiality concerns."
