Flagship BBC programmes such as Countryfile “risk obscuring the reality” of the conditions that many farm animals are kept under, a group of prominent celebrities and campaigners have warned. 

The group, which includes the broadcaster Chris Packham, musician Brian May and comedian Diane Morgan, have written to the Culture, Secretary, Lisa Nandy, ahead of the BBC Royal Charter Review.

In their letter, the group say it is “vitally important” that the BBC – as a publicly funded, national broadcaster – accurately portrays the lived experience of farm animals and “does not obscure or obfuscate the often unpleasant reality”.

“85% of the approximately one billion animals farmed for food in the UK are kept in industrial indoor farms, and yet these are rarely seen on flagship series such as Countryfile, which largely portray pasture-based outdoor farming”

They write: “At times BBC coverage of and commentary on areas such as factory farming or the use of animals in sport can present a softened and incomplete picture. For example, 85% of the approximately one billion animals farmed for food in the UK are kept in industrial indoor farms, and yet these are rarely seen on flagship series such as Countryfile, which largely portray pasture-based outdoor farming. This risks obscuring the reality for viewers but it also misses an opportunity to support a national conversation about the ways in which these systems affect animals, communities and the environment.”

The group are calling on the Government to mandate the BBC to present a complete picture of our relationship with animals, and the impact of our actions on them, and to eliminate any perception of partiality.

They add: “The British public’s interest in and passion for animal wellbeing is unequivocal, reflected by the government in the legal recognition of animal sentience in 2022. We are hopeful that this Charter review will enable the BBC to evolve in line with the

spirit and intent of this important new law, and in line with our expectations as a country that aspires towards compassion for all animals.”