BBC lists new actions on portrayal and representation after independent review
January 29, 2026 12.30 Europe/London By Broadband TV News Correspondent


The BBC has published a thematic review into portrayal and representation in its content, led by former BAFTA chair Anne Morrison and media consultant Chris Banatvala.

The independent report, commissioned by the BBC Board, assesses how accurately the corporation reflects different audiences and communities across the UK, and recommends deeper, more locally rooted decision-making alongside improved measurement of representation.

The review recognises recent progress, including increased regional investment and a stronger focus on authentic portrayal in commissioning. But it also calls for better ways to track representation in output, including geography and socio-economic background, and for more commissioning decisions to happen closer to audiences.

In response, the BBC says it will introduce a broader measurement framework from the next financial year, systematically review upcoming content plans for underrepresented audiences, and use existing and new data to shape presenter development and succession planning. The corporation also plans to circulate census and other population data more regularly to teams and indie partners.

The BBC will accelerate its shift of commissioners and decision-making roles out of London and has reiterated plans to double spend on content in the nations, building on its wider Across the UK strategy.

The BBC has previously said it will invest at least £80 million (€92m) a year in support of authentic representation, and that its Across the UK programme is forecast to move more than £800m (€923m) of investment across the UK by the end of the current Charter.