Is BBC rural champion role about to be axed?

A decision by the BBC to review its rural champion role is an “effective suspension” of the job, according to an insider. The role was created 10 years ago after a review, commissioned by the BBC Trust, found the broadcaster’s rural coverage had a “metropolitan bias”. 

Dimitri Houtart, who was executive editor for BBC audio until he stepped down in August, had held the post of rural champion since 2014. Before he left, he told BBC director general Tim Davie that he needed to be replaced. But a BBC spokesman has confirmed that the role is “under review”. 

Heather Hancock, who headed up the 2014 review and authored another report on the BBC’s countryside coverage in 2003, said she was “dismayed and utterly perplexed” by the reluctance to appoint a new rural champion. 

“Given the significance of farming, nature, food and water in daily national news coverage, the decision to downgrade rural expertise and editorial leadership jeopardises the intelligent, expert and informed reporting that we ought to expect from the BBC,” she said. 

“I urge the BBC to reconsider. It shouldn’t need an external report every decade to remind the BBC to keep faith with rural communities and everyone who cares about the countryside.” 

Further concern has been raised internally at the BBC after the role of rural affairs correspondent was also downgraded. What was once a standalone position has now been merged with a regional reporting role, with Jenny Kumah appointed the BBC’s south-west England and rural affairs correspondent. 

Garry Doolan, deputy director of communications and public affairs at BASC, told Shooting Times: “The BBC is a public service broadcaster and as such should be reflective of the public it represents. The countryside and rural life cannot be overlooked. This role falls within that remit and it would be disappointing if it was to disappear.” 

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, pointed out that the role had been created following criticism of the BBC’s coverage of the Liberty and Livelihood March — in protest at the proposed hunting ban — in 2002. 

He added: “The role has now been increasingly marginalised. The countryside should not be an afterthought. Its issues are complex and of national significance and, crucially, it is a home and place of work for millions of people.”