The BBC has a charity called ‘Media Action’ that operates in 24 countries around the world reaching more than 100 million people. Their website states their purpose is to “save lives and improve health, protect livelihoods, challenge inequality and build more peaceful and democratic societies non-western countries.” Apparently, they work to counter what they describe as “divisive and untrustworthy” media in other countries by supporting “independent media essential to democracy and development.”
You have to wonder why it is that they exclusively operate in non-western countries. Is western media any less divisive and untrustworthy?
It gets even more interesting when you take a look at their 10 top donors, amongst whom are USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development), NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as a number of other western government bodies. They mention on their website that they are supported by “a wide range of funders, including national governments, the UN and other international organisations, foundations, corporate partners and private individuals”
You also have to wonder why are so many western governments, corporate bodies and wealthy individuals interested in supporting a so-called media charity. I suppose it starts to make sense if their remit is to try and control the media narrative inside non-western nations.
How, in all good conscience, can the BBC claim to be a credible news platform if a massive part of their operation demonstrates that it has a clear political remit, defined for them by western governments and other wealthy western political interests?
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