Fact Check: Farage claims the BBC is “anti-British”

The Claim

Nigel Farage has repeatedly accused the BBC of being “anti-British” and biased against the public. He argues that the broadcaster undermines national values and consistently misrepresents issues such as Brexit, immigration, and Reform UK.

Context

Farage’s hostility toward the BBC dates back to his UKIP years.

During the Brexit referendum, he frequently criticised BBC coverage as “biased against Leave.”
In interviews and speeches since 2016, he has described the BBC as “the enemy” and “anti-British.”
His current media strategy relies heavily on GB News, social media, and alternative outlets that position themselves against the BBC.

The Facts

Editorial balance requirements: The BBC operates under a Royal Charter and is bound by impartiality rules. Multiple independent reviews have assessed its output for fairness and accuracy.
Coverage of Brexit: While some studies did find unevenness in framing, others showed that Leave voices — including Farage — received significant airtime.
Farage’s appearances: Farage himself was frequently interviewed and featured on BBC programmes, making him one of the most covered politicians of the referendum era.
Independent watchdogs: Ofcom and media researchers have not found systemic evidence that the BBC is “anti-British.” Criticism has come from both sides of the political spectrum, suggesting perceived bias depends on viewpoint rather than consistent editorial stance.

Verdict

❌ False / Misleading
Farage’s claim that the BBC is “anti-British” is not supported by evidence. While the BBC faces legitimate debates about impartiality, reviews show it has given Farage substantial coverage and adheres to strict editorial standards. His accusation reflects political framing rather than fact.

Sources

BBC Royal Charter and Editorial Guidelines
Ofcom: Annual Report on BBC performance
Loughborough University Centre for Research in Communication: EU Referendum Media Coverage
Full Fact: BBC Brexit coverage analysis