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BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
Creston House, 10 Great Pulteney Street, London W1F 9NB [email protected] | www.icmunlimited.com | +44 020 7845 8300 (UK) | +1 212 886 2234 (US)
ICM Research Ltd. Registered in England No. 2571387. Registered Address: Creston House, 10 Great Pulteney Street, London W1F 9NB A part of Creston Unlimited
Purpose Remit Survey Autumn 2015
England Report
A report by ICM on behalf of the BBC Trust
Date: July 2016
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
Contents Executive summary ............................................................................................................... 1
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Methodology .................................................................................................................................. 6
1.3 Presentation and interpretation of the data ................................................................................... 7
2. General measures............................................................................................................. 9
2.1 Overall impression of the BBC ...................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Likelihood to miss the BBC and other broadcasters ................................................................... 14
2.3 The BBC’s provision .................................................................................................................... 16
3. Value for money .............................................................................................................. 18
3.1 Overall views on value for money ............................................................................................... 18
4. Creativity ......................................................................................................................... 21
4.1 Overall views on the Creativity purpose ...................................................................................... 21
4.2 Fresh and new ideas ................................................................................................................... 22
4.3 Distinctive content ....................................................................................................................... 26
5. Citizenship ...................................................................................................................... 30
5.1 Overall views on the Citizenship purpose ................................................................................... 30
5.2 Providing high quality independent journalism ........................................................................... 31
5.3 Understanding politics in the nations .......................................................................................... 32
6. Global ............................................................................................................................. 33
6.1 Overall views on the Global purpose .......................................................................................... 33
7. Nations, regions & communities ...................................................................................... 36
7.1 Overall views on the Nations, regions & communities purpose .................................................. 36
7.2 Nations, regions and communities: differences by region .......................................................... 38
7.3 Representing different communities, religions and minority ethnic groups ................................ 39
8. Education ........................................................................................................................ 41
8.1 Overall views on the Education purpose ..................................................................................... 41
9. Digital .............................................................................................................................. 44
9.1 Overall views on the Digital purpose ........................................................................................... 44
Appendices ......................................................................................................................... 47
Appendix 1: Trend data for general measures and purposes in England ........................................ 47
Appendix 2: General measures scores, purposes and statements by nation .................................. 61
Appendix 3: Guide to statistical reliability .......................................................................................... 63
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
Tables and figures
Figure 2.1: Overall impression of the BBC ............................................................................ 9
Figure 2.2: Overall impression of the BBC: trend data ........................................................... 9
Figure 2.3: Mean overall impressions of the BBC: nation comparison ................................. 10
Figure 2.4: Mean overall impressions of the BBC: regional comparison .............................. 10
Figure 2.5: Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by age ............................... 11
Figure 2.6: Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by social grade .................. 11
Figure 2.7 Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by employment and subjective
income ................................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 2.8 Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by the licence fee’s perceived
value for money .................................................................................................................. 12
Figure 2.9 Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by BBC hours consumed .... 13
Figure 2.10: Likelihood to miss the BBC and other broadcasters: English trend data .......... 14
Figure 2.11 Likelihood to miss the BBC across the nations ................................................. 14
Figure 2.12: Likelihood to miss the BBC and other broadcasters: English regional data ..... 15
Figure 2.13: Likelihood to miss the BBC: sub-group analysis by BBC consumption ............ 15
Figure 2.14: BBC provision by nation .................................................................................. 16
Figure 2.15: The BBC’s provision in England: regional sub-group analysis ......................... 16
Figure 3.1: Value for money ................................................................................................ 18
Figure 3.2: Value for money: sub-group analysis by country ............................................... 19
Figure 3.2: Value for money: sub-group analysis by region ................................................. 19
Figure 3.3: Value for money: demographic sub-group analysis ........................................... 20
Figure 3.4: Value for money: sub-group analysis by BBC consumption .............................. 20
Figure 4.1: Creativity: performance scores .......................................................................... 21
Figure 4.2: Creativity: trend data ......................................................................................... 22
Figure 4.3: Fresh and new ideas: trend data ....................................................................... 23
Figure 4.4: Fresh and new ideas: sub-group analysis by number of platforms .................... 24
Figure 4.5: Fresh and new ideas: sub-group analysis by consumption of BBC content ....... 24
Figure 4.6: Fresh and new ideas: sub-group analysis by social grade ................................. 25
Figure 4.7: Fresh and new ideas: by subjective income ...................................................... 25
Figure 4.8: Fresh and new ideas: by employment ............................................................... 26
Figure 4.9: Fresh and new ideas: regional analysis ............................................................. 26
Figure 4.10: Distinctive content: trend data ......................................................................... 27
Figure 4.11: Distinctive content: sub-group analysis ........................................................... 28
Figure 4.12: Distinctive content: sub-group analysis by subjective income .......................... 29
Figure 4.13: Distinctive content: regional analysis ............................................................... 29
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
Figure 5.1: Citizenship: performance ................................................................................... 30
Figure 5.2: Citizenship: trend data....................................................................................... 30
Figure 5.3: Providing high quality independent journalism ................................................... 31
Table 5.1: Understanding politics statements: Performance scores by nation ..................... 32
Figure 5.4: Understanding politics in each nation/region ..................................................... 32
Figure 6.1: Global: trend data .............................................................................................. 33
Figure 6.2: Global: performance .......................................................................................... 33
Table 6.1: Global: Performance scores by nation ................................................................ 34
Figure 6.3: Presenting a positive image of the UK: trend data ............................................. 34
Figure 6.4: Presenting a positive image of the UK: sub-group analysis ............................... 35
Figure 7.1: Nations, regions and communities: trend data ................................................... 36
Figure 7.2: Nations, regions and communities: performance ............................................... 37
Figure 7.3: Nations, regions and communities: sub-group analysis by nation ...................... 37
Figure 7.4: Nations, regions and communities: representing English regions ...................... 38
Figure 7.5: Nations, regions and communities: performance ............................................... 39
Figure 7.6: Representing different religions and ethnic groups ............................................ 40
Figure 8.1: Education: trend data ........................................................................................ 41
Figure 8.3: Education: performance .................................................................................... 42
Figure 8.3: Education: sub-group analysis .......................................................................... 43
Figure 9.1: Digital: trend data .............................................................................................. 44
Figure 9.2: Digital: performance .......................................................................................... 45
Table 9.1: Digital: sub-group analysis by users in England ................................................. 45
Table 9.2: Digital: sub-group analysis by age in England .................................................... 46
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
1
Executive summary
This report presents the findings from the 2015 Purpose Remit Survey (PRS) in England,
conducted by ICM Unlimited on behalf of the BBC Trust. The findings drawn from the UK-
wide survey are based on a representative sample of 2,831 UK adults aged 16+, interviewed
online or face-to-face. The results in England are based on a representative sample of 1,652
adults.
The research was designed to explore public perceptions of the BBC’s performance,
particularly in relation to its public purposes and purpose priorities.
Fieldwork took place between 16 October and 19 November 2015.
General measures
Perceptions of the BBC’s performance in England continue to be positive overall. As
in previous years, a majority of the English public hold a favourable impression of the
BBC (56%).
On average, people give an overall impression score of 7.4, which is consistent
with the average score from the previous wave (7.5) and above both the long-term
average (7.0) and the score in 2008 (6.8).
Over three quarters (78%) would miss the BBC if it were no longer there,
consistent with the 2014 score (79%) and the 2008 score (81%). This consistency is
not true of other broadcasters, which have seen significant declines on this
measure1.
Overall, the BBC remains more likely to be missed than other broadcasters
(ITV: 65%, Channel 4: 56%, Channel 5: 37%, Sky: 43%).
Just over half the population (55%) agree that the BBC offers ‘quite a bit’, ‘a lot’,
or ‘everything I need’. This represents a statistically significant decline from the
proportion who said the same in 2014 (61%).
Value for money
Three in five (58%) feel that their household gets ‘very good’ or ‘fairly good’
value for money for the licence fee, which is consistent with previous years of
research.
The perceived value for money of the BBC varies across key demographic sub-
groups. Older people aged 55+ as well as those from higher social grades are
more likely to believe that the licence fee is good value for money.
1 Throughout this report, the term ‘significant’ is used to indicate a positive or negative change in scores that is
statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. For a full guide to statistical reliability, please refer to Appendix 3.
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
2
Perceived value for money also rises in line with consumption of BBC content, as
well as the number of platforms used to consume BBC content, which is
consistent with the pattern seen in previous years of the research.
Summary of key findings – General measures
Overall measures England UK
Autumn 2015
Change since 2014
Autumn 2015
Change since 2014
Overall impression of the BBC 7.4 -0.1 7.3 -0.1
% saying they would miss the BBC if it wasn't there
78% -1 78% 0
Perceived value for money for the licence fee
58% +1 57% +1
% saying the BBC offers ‘quite a bit’, ‘a lot’ or ‘everything I need’
55% -6 55% -5
Creativity
Overall, the BBC’s performance against the Creativity purpose remains stable in
England, with an average performance score across all measures of 61%.
Three quarters (76%) agree that the BBC makes high quality programmes or
online content, making this the highest performing statement for the Creativity
purpose in England. This is unchanged from the 2014 survey.
Three in five (61%) agree that the BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas (2014:
63%). There is a positive correlation between the amount of BBC content consumed
per week and performance score for ‘fresh and new ideas’, with seven in ten (70%)
of those who consume 11 hours or more of BBC content per week agreeing with this
statement. There is a large performance gap for this priority (-14), which
underlines its perceived importance among the public in England. However, this
performance gap has improved over time and is smaller than that recorded in 2008
(-20).
More than half (53%) agree that the BBC provides distinctive programmes and
online content that no other broadcaster would make, which is the highest score
recorded in England so far. Although this statement has the second largest
performance gap of all the Creativity purpose statements (-12), it remains consistent
with the performance gaps seen in previous years.
In 2015, two fifths agree that BBC programmes or online content sometimes make
them want to take part in a specific event or activity (38% - a statistically
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
3
significant drop from 44% in 2014) and over half say that the BBC helps them enjoy
their interests, hobbies and passions (54%, down from 58% in 2014).
Citizenship
The BBC’s performance for the Citizenship purpose also remains stable, with
an average performance score of 63%. Across all statements, there were no
significant changes since 2014.
However, there remain notable performance gaps for several purpose priorities.
While two thirds (66%) agree that the BBC ‘provides high quality independent
journalism’, the performance gap for this statement is at -11.
Three in five in England (58%) feel that the BBC helps them understand
politics in their nation/region. This is lower than the proportion of the Welsh
public who agree (66%), but in line with the level of agreement recorded in
Scotland (59%) and Northern Ireland (59%).
Global
The average performance score for statements across the Global purpose is
72% (2014: 74%). This remains the best performing purpose, but the average
performance score is at its lowest level.
Although there is stability in the performance scores for ‘the BBC helps me
understand what is going on in the wider world’ and ‘helps me understand the
cultures and lifestyles of people from around the world’, there has been a significant
decline on the measure ‘the BBC is good at presenting a positive image of the
UK to the rest of the world’ (down to 65% from 70% in 2014).
Nations, regions & communities
The Nations, regions & communities purpose achieves an average
performance score of 51% across all statements, which is consistent with previous
years.
However, there have been statistically significant declines on several measures
from the previous year, including the proportion of people who describe the BBC as
good at representing life in their nation/region in both news and current affairs
programming (54%), and entertainment programming (55%); further, significantly
fewer agree that ‘my regional BBC content provides programmes and online content
for people like me’ (60%).
Compared to 2014, statistically significantly fewer people agree that the BBC
improves their understanding of religions and other beliefs (44%, down from
49% in 2014), but the performance gap for this statement remains relatively small at
-6.
Conversely, there has been a slight increase in the number of non-White British
people who feel the BBC is good at representing their ethnic group (45%, up from
40% in 2014).
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
4
Education
Overall, the Education purpose is the second highest performing purpose across
the PRS in England, with an average performance score of 68%.
The educational focus of BBC programmes continues to be held in high regard.
Despite a three-point decrease since 2014, seven in ten people (71%) agree that
they have ‘learned new things from programmes or online content on the BBC’; while
nearly two thirds (65%) agree that ‘the BBC helps children/teenagers with what they
learn at school/college’.
Parents with children in their household are significantly more likely to agree that
the BBC ‘helps children or teens with what they learn at school or college’ (75% vs
62% among people with no children).
Digital
The average performance score for the Digital purpose is 56%. Although this
represents a four point decrease since 2014, scores for this purpose remain high
in historical terms.
Despite significant decreases in performance for several priorities, the notably
small performance gaps for this purpose show that the BBC is generally meeting
people’s needs.
Summary of average BBC purpose scores – England
BBC Purpose Performance Importance Performance gap - 2015
Performance gap - 2014
Creativity 61% 67% -6 -4
Citizenship 63% 69% -6 -4
Global 72% 77% -5 -4
Nations, regions and communities
51% 62% -10 -7
Education 68% 72% -4 -5
Digital 56% 57% -1 0
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
5
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
The BBC Trust is the governing body of the BBC. Independent of the BBC Executive Board,
its purpose is to get the best out of the BBC for licence fee payers. The Trust monitors the
BBC’s performance to ensure the BBC provides value for money while staying true to its
Public Purposes as set out in the Royal Charter.
1.1.1 The BBC’s Public Purposes
The Royal Charter defines the main objective of the BBC as the promotion of six public
purposes. These are:
Creativity: Stimulating creativity and cultural excellence
Citizenship: Sustaining citizenship and civil society
Global: Bringing the UK to the world and the world to the UK
Nations, regions and communities: Representing the UK, its nations, regions and
communities
Education: Promoting education and learning
Digital: Delivering to the public the benefit of emerging communications technologies
and services
The BBC Trust gives the BBC a purpose remit for each of these public purposes, and
monitors the BBC’s performance in delivering against the priorities included in each remit.
1.1.2 The BBC Purpose Remit Survey
To monitor the Executive’s performance against each of the six public purposes, the BBC
Trust carries out an annual tracking survey. The BBC Purpose Remit Survey (PRS) is a
quantitative survey which asks respondents to express their views both on the importance
they attach to the purpose priorities and on the BBC’s current effectiveness in delivering
them. Based on the scores from each statement, this report examines the BBC’s perceived
performance for each purpose, focusing on any change over time and variance in scores
between different sections of the population.
As well as core information on the BBC’s performance against its public purposes, the
survey collects contextual information such as demographics and media consumption, and
measures general opinions of the BBC’s performance such as the perceived value for
money of the licence fee.
The PRS was first conducted in this form in 2008. This report is based on results from the
tenth survey, which took place in Autumn 2015. This report specifically focuses on the
results from England.
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
6
1.2 Methodology
The methodology and sampling method of the 2015 PRS were consistent with previous
years of the research. Full details of the sample, fieldwork and weighting are outlined below.
Sample and fieldwork
A total of 2,831 interviews were conducted among a nationally representative sample of UK
adults aged 16 or over. The research was carried out between 16 October and 19 November
2015. A total of 1,652 people in England took part in this wave of the research.
In line with previous years, the survey was conducted using a mixed-mode approach, with
the questionnaire averaging c. 25 minutes in length. Fieldwork was conducted online and
face-to-face, with 2,234 interviews conducted online, and 597 interviews conducted face-to-
face (a 78%-22% split). In England, 1,294 interviews were conducted online and 358 face-to-
face (also a 78%-22% split).
The face-to-face element was designed to give everyone in the UK the opportunity to be
selected to take part, irrespective of whether or not they use the internet. To mitigate any
potential mode effects, respondents interviewed in the face-to-face research self-completed
the ‘Purposes’ section of the questionnaire.
Online interviews were conducted using the BBC Trust Audience Panel2, topped-up by also
using sample from ICM’s Newvista panel3. During fieldwork, interlocking quotas were set
within the four UK nations and the BBC London region by age and gender. At the UK level,
quotas were set by socioeconomic grade.
For the face-to-face fieldwork, sample points were selected through stratified random
sampling, with quotas controlling for age, gender, ethnicity and working status within each
sample point. In order to balance the impact of a high proportion of online sample, face-to-
face respondents were over-sampled in areas with a lower proportion of Census online
returns (as a proxy for likelihood to take part in an online panel).
To ensure sufficient sample sizes for robust sub-group analysis, and to ensure consistency
with previous years, boost samples were included for key sub-groups. These included the
devolved nations, black and minority ethnic groups, and the BBC North East and Cumbria
region. This was achieved through higher quotas in the online sample, and extra sample
points in the relevant region or in areas with a relatively high population of the target ethnic
groups.
2 The BBC Trust Audience Panel consists of a nationally representative sample of the public who were recruited
and maintained by ICM. 3 ICM’s Newvista panel is an online research community made up of members of the public who take part in a
wide variety of research projects.
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
7
Weighting
The data has been weighted by age, gender, nation/region, socioeconomic grade, and
ethnicity to be representative of the population. Weighting targets are derived from the 2011
Census and ONS population updates.
1.3 Presentation and interpretation of the data
It should be remembered that while data has been weighted to represent the population, a
sample was interviewed and not the entire population of England. A consequence of this is
that all results are subject to sampling tolerances, meaning that not all differences are
statistically significant. Further information about sampling tolerances is appended to this
document.
Where percentages do not add up to 100, this may be due to computer rounding, the
exclusion of “don’t know” categories, or multiple answers. Throughout the report an asterisk
(*) denotes any value of less than half of one per cent but greater than zero. Within the
charts in this report, a green circle or arrow denotes a statistically significant higher figure,
while a red circle or arrow denotes a statistically significant lower figure.
In the report, reference is made to “net” figures. This represents the balance of opinion on
attitudinal questions, and provides a useful means of comparing the results for a number of
variables.
Analysis by region of England
For the regional analysis of perceptions of the BBC’s performance in England, some BBC
regions have been grouped together into ‘region groups’. This has been done to increase
base sample sizes and improve the robustness of estimates:
South West (sample size=43) and West (79) have been combined to create the
‘South West and West’ region group (122)
South East (40) and South (91) have been combined to create the ‘South East and
South’ region group (131)
East Midlands (50) and West Midlands (148) have been combined to create the
‘East/West Midlands’ region group (198)
The London (270), East (79), North West (151), Yorkshire and Lincolnshire (142) and
North East and Cumbria (124) BBC regions have all been kept as distinct regions
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
8
Definition of terms
Throughout this report we refer to the terms ‘performance scores’, ‘importance scores’ and
‘performance gaps’:
Performance scores reflect the proportion of participants who agreed slightly, agreed
strongly, or completely agreed with each statement, thus indicating that the BBC
performed well on that priority.
Importance scores reflect the proportion of participants who thought that a statement
is quite important, very important, or vital.
Performance gaps show the difference between a statement’s performance score
and importance score. For example, if a statement received a performance score of
57% and an importance score of 65%, it would have a performance gap of -8. This
provides a measure of how well the BBC is performing against public expectations.
For instance, it indicates where people believe a statement is important but the BBC
is not performing well on that measure (the performance gap is negative), or if the
perception is that the BBC is performing well on a statement but it isn’t important (the
performance gap is positive).
Throughout this report, the term ‘significant’ is used to indicate a positive or negative change
in scores that is statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. For a full guide to
statistical reliability, please refer to Appendix 3.
© ICM Unlimited / 213356 July 2016
Report prepared by:
Gregor Jackson ([email protected]) Jennifer Bottomley ([email protected])
Erica Harrison ([email protected])
Tel: 020 7845 8300
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ICMUnlimited
Address: ICM Unlimited, Creston House, 10 Great Pulteney Street, London, W1F 9NB
Web: www.icmunlimited.com
All work conducted in accordance with ISO 20252 and ISO 27001.
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
9
2. General measures
This section explores public perceptions of the BBC’s performance on a number of general
measures, including overall impression of the BBC, how much it offers, and how likely
people would be to miss the BBC and other broadcasters.
2.1 Overall impression of the BBC
Overall, the majority of the public in England have a positive impression of the BBC. When
asked to rate the BBC on a scale of 1-10, more than half (56%) are favourable towards the
BBC, while two fifths (38%) are neutral. A very small minority (5%) are unfavourable towards
the BBC. Figure 2.1 shows the breakdown of overall impression scores given by the English
public.
Figure 2.1: Overall impression of the BBC
The average overall impression score is 7.4, which is consistent with the scores seen over
the last three years. The 2015 score is above the long-term average of 7.0 and also higher
than the 2008 survey (6.8). Trend data for the average overall impression score over time in
England is displayed in Figure 2.2 below.
Figure 2.2: Overall impression of the BBC: trend data
4% 7% 10% 18% 28% 16% 12%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TOTAL:
Unfavourable (1-3) 5%
TOTAL:
Favourable (8-10)56%
QOverall. Thinking about the BBC generally, what is your overall impression on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means extremely
unfavourable and 10 means extremely favourable? Base: All respondents in England (1,652)
TOTAL:
Neutral (4-7)38%
Mean: 7.4
Extremely
unfavourable
Extremely
favourable
6.8 6.7 6.6 6.8 6.96.6 6.8
7.3 7.4 7.5 7.4
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Mean overall impression score England
QOverall. Thinking about the BBC generally, what is your overall impression on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means extremely
unfavourable and 10 means extremely favourable? Base: All respondents in England (1,652)
Extremely
favourable
Extremely
unfavourable
Long-term average England: 7.0
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
10
If we compare England’s impression of the BBC against the other nations we can see that it
is broadly in line with the UK as whole and the other nations, as displayed in Figure 2.3
below. The overall impression score in Scotland continues to be the lowest in the UK (6.9).
Figure 2.3: Mean overall impressions of the BBC: nation comparison
Mean overall impression scores across the English regions are displayed in Figure 2.4
below. If we look at regions within England, there is little difference, although people living in
the North West (7.5) and Yorks & Lincolnshire (7.5) are most positive in their overall views of
the BBC. The differences between 2015 and 2014 are not statistically significant.
Figure 2.4: Mean overall impressions of the BBC: regional comparison
7.36.9
7.57.47.3 7.2
6.6
7.77.57.4
6.96.6
7.37.47.3
Northern IrelandScotlandWalesEnglandUK
Autumn 2015 Autumn 2014 Autumn 2013Mean overall impression ratings
QOverall. Thinking about the BBC generally, what is your overall impression on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means extremely
unfavourable and 10 means extremely favourable? Base: All respondents (UK=2,831, England=1,652,Wales=385, Scotland=412, NI =382)
7.57.27.47.5
7.17.47.47.27.4 7.67.77.5
7.17.37.8
7.4
8.17.5
Yorks &Lincolnshire
South West& West
South East &South
North WestNorth East &Cumbria
East & WestMidlands
LondonEastEngland
Autumn 2015
Autumn 2014
QOverall. Thinking about the BBC generally, what is your overall impression on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means extremely
unfavourable and 10 means extremely favourable? Base: All respondents in England (1,652), East (152), London (369), Midlands (213), NE &
Cumbria (140), North West (218), SE & South (250), SW & West (165), Yorks & Lincolnshire (145)
Mean overall impression scores
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
11
Average ratings vary significantly across demographic groups in England. The mean overall
impression scores are highest among the older age groups, with those aged 75 and over
(8.0) or 65-74 (7.6) giving a significantly higher rating on average compared to an average
rating of 7.2 among those aged 16-24 as shown in Figure 2.5.
Figure 2.5: Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by age
As illustrated by Figure 2.6, there is also a clear relationship between social grade and
overall impression of the BBC. For instance, those from the highest socioeconomic AB grade
give a significantly higher score on average (7.7), while those from the lowest DE grade give
a lower score (7.0).
Figure 2.6: Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by social grade
Confidential: For research purposes only 13
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.2
7.5
7.6
8.0
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
In England, favourability increases with age, socio-
economic group and perceptions of licence fee value
QOverall. Thinking about the BBC generally, what is your overall impression on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means extremely
unfavourable and 10 means extremely favourable? Base: All respondents in England (1,652)
Mean overall impression score by age
Confidential: For research purposes only 14
In England, favourability increases with age, socio-
economic group and perceptions of licence fee value
QOverall. Thinking about the BBC generally, what is your overall impression on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means extremely
unfavourable and 10 means extremely favourable? Base: All respondents in England (1,652)
7.7
7.3
7.5
7.0
AB
C2
C2
DE
Mean overall impression score by social grade
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
12
Similarly, people who are employed (7.4) give a significantly higher mean rating compared to
those who are unemployed (7.0), while those who are ‘living comfortably’ or ‘doing alright’
(7.7) give a significantly higher mean rating than those who are ‘finding it difficult’ financially
(6.8)4. Mean overall impression scores for each group are shown in Figure 2.7 below.
Figure 2.7 Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by employment and
subjective income
Not surprisingly, there is a clear relationship between the perceived value for money of the
licence fee, and people’s overall impressions of the BBC, as shown in Figure 2.8. Those who
believe the licence fee to be very good value for money give a significantly higher mean
rating compared to all other groups (8.8).
Figure 2.8 Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by the licence fee’s
perceived value for money
4 This measure of subjective income was added to the questionnaire in Autumn 2014 to provide an additional
measure on how well people were managing financially.
Confidential: For research purposes only 15
7.4
7.0
7.3
7.6
7.7
7.6
7.3
6.8
Employed
Unemployed
Student
Retired
Living comfortably
Doing alright
Just about getting by
Finding it quite difficult
In England, favourability increases with age, socio-
economic group and perceptions of licence fee value
QOverall. Thinking about the BBC generally, what is your overall impression on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means extremely
unfavourable and 10 means extremely favourable? Base: All respondents in England (1,652)
Mean overall impression score by
employment and income
Confidential: For research purposes only 16
In England, favourability increases with age, socio-
economic group and perceptions of licence fee value
QOverall. Thinking about the BBC generally, what is your overall impression on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means extremely
unfavourable and 10 means extremely favourable? Base: All respondents in England (1,652)
8.8
7.8
6.9
5.3
Licence fee is very good value
Licence fee is fairly good value
Licence fee is not very good value
Licence fee is not at all good value
Mean overall impression score by the licence
fees perceived value for money
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
13
People who have high BBC consumption are also more likely to have a good overall
impression of the BBC. Those who consume 11 or more hours of BBC content have a higher
mean rating (7.8) compared to those who consume five hours or less (6.3), as shown in
Figure 2.9.
Figure 2.9 Overall impression of the BBC: sub-group analysis by BBC hours
consumed
However, the sub-group analysis shows no significant difference in opinion by gender or
ethnicity.
Confidential: For research purposes only 17
In England, favourability increases with age, socio-
economic group and perceptions of licence fee value
QOverall. Thinking about the BBC generally, what is your overall impression on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means extremely
unfavourable and 10 means extremely favourable? Base: All respondents in England (1,652)
6.4
6.1
7.3
7.8
0-3 hours
4-5 hours
6-10 hours
11 hours
Mean overall impression score by BBC hours
consumed
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
14
2.2 Likelihood to miss the BBC and other broadcasters
Just over three quarters (78%) of people in England say they would miss the BBC if it wasn’t
there. This represents no significant change over the last few years, although it is lower than
the 2008 score (81%).
There is a downward trend across the wider broadcasting landscape, with significant
declines in likelihood to miss several other broadcasters such as ITV, Channel 4 and
Channel 5. Overall, the BBC remains the broadcaster most likely to be missed by the public.
The full trend data is shown in Figure 2.10 below.
Figure 2.10: Likelihood to miss the BBC and other broadcasters: English trend data
The proportion agreeing that they would miss the BBC remains broadly stable across all four
nations. England is on a par with the UK as a whole, slightly lower than Wales (83%) but
higher than Scotland (72%) and Northern Ireland (75%). Trend data for the likelihood to miss
the BBC in each nation is detailed in Figure 2.11 below.
Figure 2.11 Likelihood to miss the BBC across the nations
Looking at the proportions who say they would miss the BBC by the English regions, it
shows an increase in London, but a decline in the South West and West (76%) and in
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire (74%). The regional breakdown is shown in Figure 2.12 below.
QMISS. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each statement? I would miss ... if it wasn’t there
Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
81%86%
81% 84% 82%79%
82% 80% 78% 79%
78%
67% 68%72% 74% 74%
69% 72% 70% 72%70%
65%
56%
62% 58%63%
60%64% 63% 64%
64%61%
56%
35%
40% 40% 41%40%
36% 37%
44%
45%
42%37%
39%42% 43% 41% 43% 41%
46% 46%
45%
45%
43%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
% TOTAL: Agree
BBC
ITV
Channel 4
Channel 5
Sky
75%72%
83%78%78% 78%
74%
84%78%78% 79%82%85%
80%78% 77%79%82%82%80%
Northern IrelandScotlandWalesEnglandUK
Autumn 2015 Autumn 2014
Autumn 2013 Winter 2012-13% Agree: ‘I would miss the BBC if it wasn't there’
QMISS. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each statement? I would miss the BBC if it wasn’t there.
Base: All respondents (UK=2,831, England=1,652, Wales=385, Scotland=412, Northern Ireland=382)
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
15
Figure 2.12: Likelihood to miss the BBC and other broadcasters: English regional data
There are clear differences by level of BBC consumption. Among those who consume the
least BBC content (0-3 hours per week), half (54%) say they would miss the broadcaster if it
wasn’t there. This rises to 81% of those who consume 6-10 hours of BBC content, and 87%
of those who consume more than 11 hours of BBC content per week. In terms of the number
of platforms consumed, the more platforms used, the more likely people would be to miss
the BBC. The full breakdown is detailed in Figure 2.13 below.
Figure 2.13: Likelihood to miss the BBC: sub-group analysis by BBC consumption
74%76%78%78%74%81%80%81%78%
87%89%84%
76%76%81%
64%
88%79%
Yorks &Lincolnshire
South West& West
South East& South
North WestNorth East &Cumbria
East & WestMidlands
LondonEastEngland
Autumn 2015
Autumn 2014
QMISS. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each statement? I would miss the BBC if it wasn’t there.
Base: All respondents in England (1,652), East (152), London (369), Midlands (213), NE & Cumbria (140), North West (218), SE & South (250),
SW & West (165), Yorks & Lincolnshire (145)
% Agree: ‘I would miss the BBC if it wasn't there’
Confidential: For research purposes only 22
Likelihood to miss increases with number of
platforms used, and number of hours consumed
QMISS. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each statement? I would miss the BBC if it wasn’t there.
Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
17%
62%
75%
83%
85%
94%
None
1 platform
2 platforms
3 platforms
4 platforms
5 platforms
81%
85%
87%
85%
88%
82%
54%
60%
81%
87%
BBC TV
BBC Radio
BBC iPlayer
BBC website
BBC apps
BBC social media
0-3 hours
4-5 hours
6-10 hours
11+ hours
Number of BBC platforms consumed
BBC platform consumed
Number of BBC hours consumed
% Agree: ‘I would miss the BBC if it wasn't there’
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
16
2.3 The BBC’s provision
In 2015, just over half the population (55%) in England agree that the BBC offers ‘quite a bit’,
‘a lot’, or ‘everything I need’. This is a significant drop from the proportion who said the same
in 2014 (61%). This is in contrast to other nations, where proportions are unaltered from
2014. It is this change which is driving the decline on this measure across the UK. Full
analysis by nation is shown in Figure 2.14 below.
Figure 2.14: BBC provision by nation
As shown in Figure 2.15, within the BBC regions in England, people in the north – including
those in the North West (60%), Yorkshire and Lincolnshire (60%) and North East and
Cumbria (58%) – are most likely to say that the BBC caters for their needs.
By contrast, those in the East of England (52%) or in the South West & West (52%) are least
likely to feel that the BBC caters for their needs. Both show a statistically significant fall since
2014.
Figure 2.15: The BBC’s provision in England: regional sub-group analysis
Confidential: For research purposes only 28
50%50%
61%55%55%
51%49%
62%61%60%56%
50%
57%59%58%
Northern IrelandScotlandWalesEnglandUK
Compared to twelve months ago, significantly fewer
people in England think the BBC meets their needs
QProv. Thinking about what the BBC provides, which of these statements best applies?
Base: All respondents (UK=2,831, England=1,652,Wales=385, Scotland=412, Northern Ireland=382)
% Agree: ‘the BBC offers a bit, a lot, or everything I need’
Confidential: For research purposes only 29
60%52%
56%60%58%
51%54%52%55%
65%70%
65%
54%60%60%
55%
72%
61%
Yorks &Lincolnshire
South West& West
South East &South
North WestNorth East &Cumbria
East & WestMidlands
LondonEastEngland
Autumn 2015
Autumn 2014
Among the BBC regions in England, people living in the
North are most likely to say the BBC caters for their needs
QProv. Thinking about what the BBC provides, which of these statements best applies?
Base: All respondents in England (1199/1,652), East (78/152), London (256/369), Midlands (198/213), NE & Cumbria (123/140), North West
(150/218), SE & South (131/250), SW & West (121/165), Yorks & Lincolnshire (142/145)
% Agree: ‘the BBC offers a bit, a lot, or everything I need’
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
17
Moreover, there remain clear differences in opinion by demographic background. Older
people, aged 55-64 (61%) and 65 or over (71%) are significantly more likely to feel that the
BBC meets their needs compared to their younger counterparts (50% of those aged under
55).
There is also a clear pattern by social grade, with those from the highest AB grade (68%)
being significantly more likely to feel that the BBC offers at least ‘quite a bit’ of what they
need compared to those from the lowest DE grade (44%). Similarly, those who feel they are
‘living comfortably’ or ‘doing alright’ (63%) are significantly more likely to believe that the
BBC offers at least ‘quite a bit’ of what they need compared to those who are ‘finding it
difficult’ financially (38%).
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
18
3. Value for money
3.1 Overall views on value for money
Three in five (58%) people in England feel that their household gets ‘very good’ or ‘fairly
good’ value for money for the TV licence fee, which is consistent with previous years of
research, although lower than the 2008 score (61%). Trend data for perceived value for
money is shown in Figure 3.1 below.
Figure 3.1: Value for money
Nearly two in five (37%) in England feel that they get ‘not very good value’ or ‘not at all good
value’ for the licence fee.
As Figure 3.2 shows, compared to other nations in the UK, those in England and Wales are
more likely to say that the TV licence fee offers good value for money (62% and 58%
respectively), while those in Scotland (49%) and Northern Ireland (46%) are slightly (but not
significantly) less likely to agree.
61%
55%
60%
60%57% 58% 58% 58% 60%
57% 58%
35%
42%
36%
37% 39% 38% 39% 37% 37% 39% 37%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
% Good value
% Not good value
QValue. Thinking back over the last month and remembering the BBC programmes you and your household may have watched on TV
or heard on the radio, as well as any BBC internet sites you may have visited, to what extent do you feel your household gets value
for the licence fee you pay? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,625)
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
19
Figure 3.2: Value for money: sub-group analysis by nation
As shown in Figure 3.3, regionally there is a fairly stable proportion of people who think they
get good value for the licence fee. Since 2014 the only downward shift has been in the
South West and West where those saying they get good value has declined from 67% to
54%.
Figure 3.3: Value for money: sub-group analysis by region
As seen in previous years, in England there is some variation by age, with older people aged
55+ being more likely to believe that the licence fee is good value for money. The oldest age
group aged 75+ are most likely to agree that the BBC offers good value for money (76%),
although this perception is likely to reflect the fact that this group are exempt from paying the
licence fee (see Figure 3.4 below).
As in previous years, there is also a clear relationship between social grade and perceived
value for money provided by the licence fee. Two thirds (67%) of the highest AB social grade
believe that the BBC offers value for money, compared to just half (52%) among the lowest
DE social grade. Along similar lines, those who feel they are ‘living comfortably’ or ‘doing
Confidential: For research purposes only 19
46%49%
62%58%57%
43%49%
56%57%56%
43%49%
53%
60%58%
Northern IrelandScotlandWalesEnglandUK
For most of the devolved nations, perceived
value for money of the licence fee remains stable
% Very/ fairly good value for money
QValue. Thinking back over the last month and remembering the BBC programmes you and your household may have watched on TV or
heard on the radio, as well as any BBC internet sites you may have visited, to what extent do you feel your household gets value for the
licence fee you pay? Base: All respondents (n=2,831)
Confidential: For research purposes only 22
57%54%
63%59%57%59%58%56%58%
54%
67%64%
50%53%
64%
51%
59%57%
Yorks &Lincolnshire
South West &West
South East &South
North WestNorth East &Cumbria
East & WestMidlands
LondonEastEngland
Autumn 2015
Autumn 2014
Among the BBC regions in England, people living in the South and
South East are most likely to perceive the licence fee as good value
QValue. Thinking back over the last month and remembering the BBC programmes you and your household may have watched on TV or
heard on the radio, as well as any BBC internet sites you may have visited, to what extent do you feel your household gets value for the
licence fee you pay? Base: All respondents in England (1199/1,652), East (78/152), London (256/369), Midlands (198/213), NE & Cumbria
(123/140), North West (150/218), SE & South (131/250), SW & West (121/165), Yorks & Lincolnshire (142/145)
% Good value
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
20
alright’ (65%) are significantly more likely to believe the licence fee provides good value for
money compared to those who are ‘finding it difficult’ financially (42%).
Figure 3.4: Value for money: demographic sub-group analysis
As illustrated in Figure 3.5, perceived value for money also rises in line with consumption of
BBC content, which is consistent with the pattern seen in previous years of the research.
Figure 3.5: Value for money: sub-group analysis by BBC consumption
People who consume BBC content via 5 platforms (78%) or via 6 platforms (73%) are most
likely to feel it provides value for money. Similarly, those who consume more than 11 hours
of BBC content per week (69%) are also more likely to feel that the BBC offers good value
for money.
60%
57%
55%
54%
53%
56%
61%
71%
76%
59%
53%
Male
Female
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
White
BME
Total: Good
value (%)
QValue. Thinking back over the last month and remembering the BBC programmes you and your household may have watched on TV or
heard on the radio, as well as any BBC internet sites you may have visited, to what extent do you feel your household gets va lue for the
licence fee you pay? Base: All respondents in England (1,652)
67%
62%
53%
52%
57%
51%
51%
72%
AB
C1
C2
DE
Employed
Unemployed
Student
Retired
26%
44%
50%
58%
66%
78%
73%
None
1 platform
2 platforms
3 platforms
4 platforms
5 platforms
6 platforms
Total: Good
value (%)
QValue. Thinking back over the last month and remembering the BBC programmes you and your household may have watched on TV or
heard on the radio, as well as any BBC internet sites you may have visited, to what extent do you feel your household gets value for the
licence fee you pay? Base: All respondents in England (1,652)
60%
64%
68%
67%
69%
66%
36%
34%
54%
69%
BBC TV
BBC Radio
BBC iPlayer
BBC website
BBC apps
BBC social media
0-3 hours
4-5 hours
6-10 hours
11+ hours
Number of BBC platforms consumed BBC platform consumed
Number of BBC hours consumed
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
21
4. Creativity Stimulating creativity and cultural excellence
4.1 Overall views on the Creativity purpose
The BBC’s performance against the Creativity purpose overall has not changed significantly
since the previous survey in autumn 2014. The average performance score across all
statements is 61% (2014: 63%) in England and the average importance score is 67% (2014:
67%).
Of the individual aspects which make up the Creativity purpose, the production of high
quality programmes or online content is the BBC’s most notable strength, with 76% of
people in England agreeing. A large proportion also agree that the BBC provides
programmes and online content which cover a wide range of cultural activities (75%) and
that the BBC has a wide range of enjoyable and entertaining programmes and online content
(73%).
By contrast, fewer than two in five (38%) agree that BBC programmes or online content
sometimes make them want to take part in a specific event or activity, making this the lowest
performing statement for this purpose. Having risen between 2013 and 2014, performance
on this statement has decreased significantly since 2014. The only other significant change
is for the statement ‘The BBC helps me enjoy my interests, hobbies and passions’ (54%),
down four percentage points since 2014.
The performance scores and performance gaps for statements in this section are
summarised below in Figure 4.1.
Figure 4.1: Creativity: performance scores
27Confidential: For research purposes only
76%
75%
73%
61%
60%
54%
53%
38%
The BBC makes high quality programmes or online content
The BBC provides programmes and online content which cover awide range of cultural activities
The BBC has a wide range of enjoyable and entertainingprogrammes and online content
The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas
The BBC introduces me to new presenters, actors, writers andmusical artists from the UK
The BBC helps me enjoy my interests, hobbies and passions
The BBC makes programmes or online content that no otherbroadcaster would make
Programmes or online content on the BBC sometimes make mewant to take part in a specific event or activity
Performance (i.e. NET Agree)
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpCreativity. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The BBC’s performance against the Creativity purpose has not
changed significantly since the previous survey
Change
since 2014
-
-
-1
-2
-1
-4
+1
-6
Performance
Gap*
-5
+3
-7
-14
+3
-7
-12
-4
* = Agreement minus Importance
Change since 2014
-
-
-1
-2
-1
-4
+1
-6
Performance Gap*
-5
+3
-7
-14
+3
-5
-12
-4
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
22
The average performance and importance scores for the Creativity purpose are in line with
the trend over the past 5 years, and also consistent with the average performance score
from the first survey in 2008 (65%), as shown in Figure 4.2.
Figure 4.2: Creativity: trend data
Across the nations, average performance scores are broadly similar. The average
performance score of 61% in England compares to 62% in Wales, 58% in Scotland and 55%
in Northern Ireland.
4.2 Fresh and new ideas
Three in five (61%) people in England agree that the BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas,
which is consistent with the 2014 score of 63%. This shows a stabilisation of this score over
the last three years, after the uplift to 63% in Autumn 2013. It is also significantly higher
compared to the first survey in 2008 (56%). Importance scores since 2008 have remained
stable.
Figure 4.3 shows the average performance and importance scores for this statement since
2008.
28Confidential: For research purposes only
56%
60%
56%59% 59%
57%
61%59%
62%63%
61%
65%68%
65%67%
65%63%
67% 67% 67% 67% 67%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
80%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Performance(%)
Importance(%)
The average performance score for the Creativity
purpose is in line with the trend over the past 5 years
-9 -8 -9 -7 -7 -6 -6 -8 -5 -4 -6 Performance
gap
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpCreativity. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
23
Figure 4.3: Fresh and new ideas: trend data
As with other measures within the Creativity purpose, the findings indicate that those in
England (61%) and Wales (62%) are more likely to agree that the BBC has lots of fresh and
new ideas than those in Scotland (58%) and Northern Ireland (55%). However, these
differences are not statistically significant.
This statement continues to have the largest performance gap of all the Creativity
statements and the third largest in the PRS as a whole (-14), highlighting its perceived
importance in England. However, this performance gap has improved over time and is
smaller than that recorded in 2008 (-20).
As shown below in Figure 4.4 and Figure 4.5, agreement that the BBC has lots of fresh and
new ideas correlates positively with the number of BBC platforms used, and the number of
hours of BBC content consumed per week.
Those who access BBC content in a variety of ways are much more likely to agree that the
BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas. From 0-5 platforms, the performance score increases
significantly for every extra platform used, before reaching a plateau at five platforms (the
decrease in value for six platforms is not statistically significant).
56%58%
53% 55% 55% 54%57% 56%
63% 63%61%
76% 78% 77% 76% 76% 75%78% 79% 78% 77% 75%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Performance(%)
Importance(%)
-20 -20 -24 -21 -21 -21 -21 -23 -15 -13 -14 Performance
gap
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpCreativity. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
24
Figure 4.4: Fresh and new ideas: sub-group analysis by number of platforms
As shown in Figure 4.5, there is also a positive correlation between the amount of BBC
content consumed per week and performance score for this statement, as only two in five
(39%) of those who consume fewer than three hours of BBC content per week agree
compared to seven in ten (70%) of those who consume eleven hours or more.
Figure 4.5: Fresh and new ideas: sub-group analysis by consumption of BBC content
Some differences are also evident by social grade with ABs significantly more likely to agree
that the BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas (65%) compared to DEs (54%), as shown in
Figure 4.6.
39Confidential: For research purposes only
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The belief that the BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas
correlates positively with the number of platforms used
% Agree: ‘The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas’
24%
45%
51%
63%
71%
78%
74%
No platforms
1 BBC platform
2 BBC platforms
3 BBC platforms
4 BBC platforms
5 BBC platforms
6 BBC platforms
40Confidential: For research purposes only
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The belief that the BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas
correlates positively with the number of platforms used
% Agree: ‘The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas’
40%
39%
58%
70%
0-3 hours (BBC content)
4-5 hours
6-10 hours
11+ hours
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
25
Figure 4.6: Fresh and new ideas: sub-group analysis by social grade
There were also differences by subjective income, with those who feel they are ‘living
comfortably’ significantly more likely to agree that the BBC has fresh and new ideas than
those who are ‘just about getting by’ or ‘finding it quite/very difficult’. Agreement by
subjective income is illustrated in Figure 4.7 below.
Figure 4.7: Fresh and new ideas: by subjective income
As shown in Figure 4.8, the unemployed are significantly less likely to agree that the BBC
has lots of fresh and new ideas (53%) than those employed (61%), students and people who
are retired (both 64%).
41Confidential: For research purposes only
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The belief that the BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas
correlates positively with the number of platforms used
65%
64%
60%
54%
AB
C1
C2
DE
% Agree: ‘The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas’
42Confidential: For research purposes only
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The belief that the BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas
correlates positively with the number of platforms used
68%
65%
57%
54%
42%
Living comfortably
Doing alright
Just about getting by
Finding it quite difficult
Finding it very difficult
% Agree: ‘The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas’
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
26
Figure 4.8: Fresh and new ideas: by employment
However, there are no significant differences by age, gender or ethnicity.
Regional scores for this aspect of the Creativity purpose are displayed in Figure 4.9 below,
which shows that the South (69%) and East Midlands (67%) are the most likely to agree that
the BBC has fresh and new ideas, whereas the South West (54%) is the least likely to agree.
Figure 4.9: Fresh and new ideas: regional analysis
4.3 Distinctive content
Just over half of the people in England (53%) agree that the BBC provides distinctive
programmes and online content that no other broadcaster would make. Although this
statement has the second largest performance gap of all the Creativity purpose statements
(-12), it remains consistent with the performance gaps seen in previous years.
Three quarters (76%) agree that ‘the BBC makes high quality programmes or online content’
and this has remained stable over the past four years.
44Confidential: For research purposes only
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
Older people and those who access the BBC via multiple
platforms are most likely to say the BBC is ‘distinctive’
% Agree: ‘The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas’
61%
53%
64%
64%
Employed
Unemployed
Student
Retired
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Base: All respondents: England (1,652), East (152), London (369), Midlands (213), NE & Cumbria (140), North West (218), SE & South (250), SW
& West (165), Yorks & Lincolnshire (145)
54%
57%
58%
59%
59%
61%
62%
63%
66%
67%
69%
61%
South West
West Midlands
East
South East
NE & Cumbria
London
Yorks & Lincs
North West
West
East Midlands
South
England
% Agree: ‘The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas'
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
27
Figure 4.10 displays the trend data for the statements ‘the BBC makes content that no other
broadcaster would make’ and ‘the BBC makes high quality programmes or online content’.
Figure 4.10: Distinctive content: trend data
36Confidential: For research purposes only
76% 77% 76% 76%
47% 50% 52% 53%
Wi 12/13 Au 2013 Au 2014 Au 2015 Wi 12/13 Au 2013 Au 2014 Au 2015
Makes content no other broadcaster
would make
High quality programmes and content
XXXX
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All England respondents (1,652)
QImpCreativity. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All England respondents (1,652)
-16 -10 -12 -12-6 -3 -3 -5Performance
gap
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
28
39Confidential: For research purposes only
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
Older people and those who access the BBC via multiple
platforms are most likely to say the BBC is ‘distinctive’
53%
56%
50%
44%
37%
33%
49%
62%
England
Wales
Scotland
N. Ireland
0-3 hours (BBCcontent)
4-5 hours
6-10 hours
11+ hours
% Agree: ‘The BBC makes programmes/online content that no other broadcaster would make’
24%
37%
44%
55%
62%
69%
72%
No platforms
1 BBC platform
2 BBC platforms
3 BBC platforms
4 BBC platforms
5 BBC platforms
6 BBC platforms
38Confidential: For research purposes only
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
Older people and those who access the BBC via multiple
platforms are most likely to say the BBC is ‘distinctive’
55%
52%
52%
59%
52%
52%
51%
52%
65%
Men
Women
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
% Agree: ‘The BBC makes programmes/online content that no other broadcaster would make’
53%
56%
61%
58%
51%
43%
56%
42%
53%
56%
White
BME
AB
C2
C2
DE
Employed
Unemployed
Student
Retired
Figure 4.11 shows the subgroup analysis for the statement ‘the BBC makes content that no
other broadcaster would make’.
Figure 4.11: Distinctive content: sub-group analysis
As in the case of ‘fresh and new ideas’, the more platforms people access the BBC on, the
more likely they are to agree that the BBC produces distinctive content. There is also some
variation by social grade, with those from the highest AB grade (61%) being significantly
more likely to agree than those from the lowest DE grade (43%). The employed are also
more likely to agree (56%) compared to the unemployed (42%) and those who consume six
or more hours of BBC content are also more likely to agree than those who consume less
than six hours of BBC content.
Across the UK nations, people in Wales are most likely to agree that the BBC make
programmes and online content that no other broadcaster would make with 56% of people
agreeing compared to 53% of people in England and 50% of people in Scotland. Those in
Northern Ireland are least likely to agree with this statement (44%).
There are no significant differences by age, gender or ethnicity.
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
29
There were again differences by subjective income with those who say they live comfortably
significantly more likely to agree that the BBC makes programmes/online content that no
other broadcaster would make than all others. This analysis is displayed in Figure 4.12.
Figure 4.12: Distinctive content: sub-group analysis by subjective income
Again, similar to ‘fresh and new ideas’, the South (69%) and East Midlands (57%) are the
regions most likely to agree that the BBC makes programmes/online content that no other
broadcaster would make. People in the West of England (41%) are the least likely to agree.
The full regional breakdown is shown in Figure 4.13.
Figure 4.13: Distinctive content: regional analysis
47Confidential: For research purposes only
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The belief that the BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas
correlates positively with the number of platforms used
65%
57%
47%
53%
38%
Living comfortably
Doing alright
Just about getting by
Finding it quite difficult
Finding it very difficult
% Agree: ‘The BBC makes programmes/online content that no other broadcaster would make’
QPerfCreativity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Base: All respondents: England (1,652), East (152), London (369), Midlands (213), NE & Cumbria (140), North West (218), SE & South (250), SW
& West (165), Yorks & Lincolnshire (145)
41%
47%
49%
53%
53%
53%
54%
55%
56%
57%
69%
53%
West
East
NE & Cumbria
South West
South East
Yorks & Lincs
North West
West Midlands
London
East Midlands
South
England
% Agree: ‘The BBC makes programmes/online content that no other broadcaster would make’
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
30
5. Citizenship Sustaining citizenship and civil society
5.1 Overall views on the Citizenship purpose
The statements for the Citizenship purpose have an average performance score of 63%,
which is consistent with the average score for 2014 (64%). Across all statements, there were
no significant changes since the previous survey. The performance scores and gaps for all
statements can be seen in Figure 5.1.
Figure 5.1: Citizenship: performance
Overall, performance and importance ratings for the Citizenship purpose have remained
broadly unchanged over recent years in England and the 2015 data shows a continuation of
this trend. Figure 5.2 shows the changes in these scores over time. Performance has
remained stable in the longer term (with an average performance score of 64% in 2008) but
importance has shown some variation (starting at 65% in 2008) but now stabilising around
68/69%.
Figure 5.2: Citizenship: trend data
36Confidential: For research purposes only
70%
66%
66%
61%
60%
60%
58%
The BBC makes news and current affairs and other topicalissues interesting to me
The BBC helps me understand UK-wide politics
The BBC provides high quality independent journalism
BBC coverage of the news and current affairs has got metalking about them
The BBC helps me understand politics in the other nations ofthe UK
The BBC helps me understand politics in Europe
The BBC helps me understand politics in my nation/region
Performance (i.e. NET Agree)
QPerfCitizenship. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpCitizenship. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The BBC’s contribution to news and current affairs is highly regarded. Yet
there are ‘performance gaps’ in providing high quality independent
journalism and the BBC helping people understand politics
Change
since 2014
-1
-1
-
-3
-1
-
-1
Performance
Gap*
* = Agreement minus Importance
-5
-7
-11
+1
-5
-6
-8
37Confidential: For research purposes only
64%66%
62%
64%
63%61%
63% 62%65% 64%
63%
65%
71%
66%
63%
63%61%
66%68% 69%
68% 69%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
80%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Performance(%)
Importance(%)
Average performance for the Citizenship purpose has
remained broadly unchanged over recent years
-1 -4 -4 +1 0 -1 -2 -7 -4 -4 -6 Performance
gap
QPerfCitizenship. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpCitizenship. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
31
However, there remain notable ‘performance gaps’ in terms of providing high quality
independent journalism and the BBC helping people understand politics.
When compared to the other UK nations, the overall score for the Citizenship purpose in
England (63%) is a little higher (but not significantly) than in Scotland (60%) and Northern
Ireland (60%), and a little lower – but not significantly – than that in Wales (66%).
5.2 Providing high quality independent journalism
While two thirds of the English public (66%) agree that the BBC ‘provides high quality
independent journalism’, the performance gap for this statement is wide though in line with
the last three years. Figure 5.3 shows the trend data for this measure. There has been little
change in the perceived importance of this measure since 2008 (75% in 2008) but there has
been a fall in performance over time, from 71% in 2008.
Figure 5.3: Providing high quality independent journalism
There are no significant differences between England and the other nations on this measure,
with the English performance score (66%) broadly in line with that in Wales (65%), Scotland
(62%) and Northern Ireland (62%).
38Confidential: For research purposes only
71%73%
69%
73%
72%70% 71%
65% 67% 66% 66%
75%
80%
75%
73%
74%72%
77% 77% 77%75%
77%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Performance(%)
Importance(%)
The performance gap for ‘the BBC provides high quality
independent journalism’ is at its widest for four years
-4 -6 -7 0 -2 -2 -5 -13 -9 -9 -11 Performance
gap
QPerfCitizenship. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpCitizenship. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
‘The BBC provides high quality independent journalism’
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
32
5.3 Understanding politics in the nations
Helping people to understand politics in various different nations and regions is a key part of
the BBC’s Citizenship purpose. While it performs fairly well at helping people to understand
UK-wide politics, it performs less well in helping people to understand politics in their own
nation or region, the other nations of the UK and Europe.
Residents in Scotland and Northern Ireland are significantly less likely than those in England
and Wales to agree that the BBC helps them to understand politics at the UK-wide level, but
scores for understanding politics in their own nation/region and other regions in the UK are
fairly consistent across each nation.
The full breakdown of performance scores by nation is shown in Table 5.1 below.
Table 5.1: Understanding politics statements: Performance scores by nation
Statement
Nation
England Wales Scotland Northern Ireland
The BBC helps me understand UK-wide politics
66% 71% 63% 62%
The BBC helps me understand politics in Europe
60% 62% 54% 59%
The BBC helps me understand politics in my
nation/region 58% 66% 59% 59%
The BBC helps me understand politics in the
other nations of the UK 60% 63% 58% 57%
Unweighted base 1,652 385 412 382
Looking at the regions of England (Figure 5.4 below), the East (64%), London (64%) and
North West (64%) are the most likely to agree that the BBC helps people understand politics
in their nation/region.
Figure 5.4: Understanding politics in each nation/region
40Confidential: For research purposes only
51%54%52%
64%58%57%
64%64%58%
54%56%51%
58%66%64%61%63%
59%
Yorks &Lincolnshire
South West &West
South East &South
North WestNorth East &Cumbria
East & WestMidlands
LondonEastEngland
Autumn 2015
Autumn 2014
Those in London, the North West and the East are most likely to
say the BBC helps them understand politics in their nation/ region
QMISS. To what extent do you agree or disagree with each statement? ‘Helps me understand politics in my nation/ region’
Base: All respondents (n=2,831) Base: All respondents: UK (2,831), England (1,652), East (152), London (369), Midlands (213), NE & Cumbria
(140), North West (218), SE & South (250), SW & West (165), Yorks & Lincolnshire (145)
% Agree: ‘Helps me understand politics in my nation/ region’
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
33
6. Global Bringing the UK to the world and the world to the UK
6.1 Overall views on the Global purpose
The average performance score for statements across the Global purpose is 72%, a slight
but not statistically significant decrease on 2014. However, while it continues to be the best
performing purpose, the average Global purpose performance is now tracking at its lowest
level. Figure 6.1 shows the changes in performance and importance score for this purpose
over time.
Figure 6.1: Global: trend data
In particular, significantly fewer people in England believe that ‘the BBC is good at
presenting a positive image of the UK to the rest of the world’ compared to 2014.
Performance for all statements is shown in Figure 6.2. For the other two statements, there
has been no significant change since 2014.
Figure 6.2: Global: performance
44Confidential: For research purposes only
75% 81%
75%
79%
75% 76%
83%
73% 74% 74%72%
74%
83%
75%
77%
74%75%
82%79% 79%
78% 77%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
80%
85%
90%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Performance(%)
Importance(%)
Average performance for the Global Purpose
performance score has dipped slightly
+1 -1 0 +2 0 +1 +1 -6 -5 -4 -5 Performance
gap
QPerfGlobal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpGlobal. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
78%
72%
65%
The BBC helps me understand what is going on inthe wider world, such as international news and
events
The BBC helps me understand the cultures andlifestyles of people from around the world
The BBC is good at presenting a positive image ofthe UK to the rest of the world
Performance (i.e.NET Agree)
QPerfGlobal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,625)
QImpGlobal. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,625)
Change
since 2014
-1
-2
-5
Performance
Gap*
* = Agreement minus Importance
-2
-2
-11
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
34
As in previous years, people in England and Wales are significantly more likely to say that
the BBC helps them to understand what is going on in the wider world (78% and 80%
respectively) compared to the other UK nations. However, when it comes to helping people
understand different cultures and lifestyles, and presenting a positive image of the UK,
scores across the nations are very similar, as displayed in Table 6.1 below.
Table 6.1: Global: Performance scores by nation
Statement
Nation
England Wales Scotland Northern Ireland
The BBC helps me understand what is going on
in the wider world, such as international news and
events
78% 80% 73% 72%
The BBC helps me understand the cultures and
lifestyles of people from around the world
72% 72% 69% 70%
The BBC is good at presenting a positive image of the UK to the rest of the
world
65% 66% 64% 61%
Unweighted base 1,652 385 412 382
The performance score for the statement ‘the BBC is good at presenting a positive image of
the UK to the rest of the world’ is in keeping with the longer term trend. Trend data can be
seen in Figure 6.3.
Figure 6.3: Presenting a positive image of the UK: trend data
There are no significant differences in opinion by ethnicity, with two thirds of white British
people (65%) and people from minority ethnic backgrounds (67%) agreeing that the BBC
presents a positive image of the UK.
However, those who are say that they are religious (72%) and specifically those who follow
Christianity (74%) are significantly more likely to say the BBC is good at presenting a
67% 68% 70%65%
79% 80% 78% 76%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Performance(%)
Importance(%)
-13 -12 -9 -11 Performance
gap
QPerfGlobal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents (n=2,831)
QImpGlobal. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents (n=2,831)
‘The BBC is good at presenting a positive image of the UK to the rest of the world’
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
35
positive image of the UK compared to their non-religious counterparts (61%) and other
religions (63%).
The perception that the BBC ‘is good at presenting a positive image of the UK to the rest of
the world’ is consistent across the different types of BBC platforms consumed.
Figure 6.4 displays the sub-group analysis on this measure5.
Figure 6.4: Presenting a positive image of the UK: sub-group analysis
5 Nb. Figures are displayed for Christianity and Islam as the base size for these faiths was large enough for
analysis (Christianity : 513; Islam: 76). Base sizes for Hinduism (n=26), Judaism (n=9) and Sikhism (n=10) are too small for analysis.
51Confidential: For research purposes only
QPerfGlobal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpGlobal. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The perception that the BBC ‘is good at presenting a positive image
of the UK to the rest of the world’ is consistent across platforms
67%
70%
70%
71%
73%
74%
BBC TV
BBC Radio
BBC iPlayer
BBC website
BBC apps
BBC social media
BBC platform consumed
65%
53%
66%
72%
67%
72%
61%
74%
63%
62%
White
Mixed
Asian
Black
NET: BAME
Religious
Non-religious
Follow Christianity
Follow another religion
Follow Islam
Ethnicity
Religion / faith
% Agree: ‘The BBC is good at presenting a positive image of the UK to the rest of the world’
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
36
7. Nations, regions &
communities Representing the UK, its nations, regions and communities
7.1 Overall views on the Nations, regions & communities purpose
As in 2014, the Nations, regions & communities purpose was the lowest performing in the
PRS in England, achieving an average score of 51% across most statements in the Nations
purpose (excluding the three statements not asked of the full sample)6. This is a significant
decline from the average score of 55% in 2014.
However, the average performance and importance scores for this purpose are consistent
with recent years. Figure 7.1 shows the trend data for average performance and importance
scores over time. There has been a significant increase since 2008 in both performance
(45% to 51% in 2015) and importance (54% to 59% in 2015).
Figure 7.1: Nations, regions and communities: trend data
There have also been some significant changes in the scores for specific statements. In
particular, there has been a significant decline in the proportion describing the BBC as good
at representing life in their nation/region in both news and entertainment programming, as
well as a significant decline in those agreeing that their regional BBC content provides
programmes and online content that is for people like them, as illustrated in Figure 7.2.
6 Nb. For consistency with previous years, the average performance scores for the Nations purpose sub-group
analysis by nation exclude statements not asked of the full sample (i.e. ‘The BBC supports my language with programming and other content’, ‘The BBC is good at representing my faith’ and ‘The BBC is good at representing my ethnic group’) due to smaller base sizes within the individual nations. However, performance scores for these statements are included for information in the charts throughout this chapter.
56Confidential: For research purposes only
45% 46% 48%43%
48%
40%46%
49% 53% 55%51%
54%50% 54%
46%
53%
42%47%
61% 61% 62%59%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Performance(%)
Importance(%)
Average performance/importance and performance gap for the
Nations purpose remains broadly unchanged from recent surveys
-9 -4 -6 -3 -5 -2 -1 -11 -8 -7 -8 Performance
gap
QPerfNations. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpNations. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
37
Figure 7.2: Nations, regions and communities: performance
At the overall level, there is relatively little variation by nation for the Nations, regions and
communities purpose, with the only significant difference being between the highest and
lowest scoring nations, Wales (52%) and Northern Ireland (47%)7. Since 2014, there has
been a decrease in the average score in Northern Ireland, but this is not statistically
significant, while the average score in England has fallen significantly (from 55% to 51%).
Figure 7.3 shows the average scores by nation for this purpose for the last three years.
Figure 7.3: Nations, regions and communities: sub-group analysis by nation
7 Nb. For all nations, the average performance scores exclude statements not asked of the full sample due to
small base sizes for these statements.
48Confidential: For research purposes only
66%
60%
55%
54%
The BBC supports my language with programming and othercontent (BASE: 78)
My regional BBC content provides programmes and onlinecontent that is for people like me
The BBC is good at representing life in my nation/region to therest of the UK in its drama, documentaries, and other
entertainment programmes and online content
The BBC is good at representing life in my nation/region to therest of the UK in its main UK news and current affairs
programmes and online content
Performance (i.e. NET Agree)
QPerfNations. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652) unless stated
QImpNations. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents (n=1,652) unless stated
There has been a significant decline in the proportion describing
the BBC as good at representing life in their region
Change
since 2014
+2
-5
-5
-7
Performance
Gap*
* = Agreement minus Importance
-4
-10
-9
-11
52Confidential: For research purposes only
47%49%52%51%
54%
47%52%
55% 55%
46%47%
53%
Northern IrelandScotlandWalesEngland
Updated nations averages
QPerfNations. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Base: All respondents: England (1,652), Wales (385), Scotland (412), Northern Ireland (382).
Average Nations performance
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
38
7.2 Nations, regions and communities: differences by region
There is variation in agreement across the English regions when asked to what extent their
BBC region represents them. Figure 7.4 shows the scores for the regions regarding
representation of the region in both news/current affairs and drama/entertainment, as well as
the provision of content for ‘people like me’.
Figure 7.4: Nations, regions and communities: representing English regions
The lowest average scores for representation of particular regions in news/current affairs or
drama/entertainment were given in:
North East and Cumbria:
49% for news/current affairs
49% for drama/entertainment
South East and South:
50% for news/current affairs
46% for drama/entertainment
By contrast, the highest scores were given in:
London:
60% for representation in news/current affairs
63% for representation in drama/entertainment
North West:
57% for representation in news/current affairs
63% for representation in drama/entertainment
43Confidential: For research purposes only
58%59%55%
64%
56%56%
64%66%
53%52%50%
57%
49%55%
60%
53%
60%54%
46%
63%
49%51%
63%
52%
Yorks &Lincolnshire
South West &West
South East &South
North WestNorth East &Cumbria
East & WestMidlands
LondonEast
Provides programmes/online content for people like me
Representing my region in news/current affairs
Representing my region in drama/entertainment
People living in the South/SE and NE/Cumbria are less likely than those
in other parts of England to feel their BBC region represents them
% Agree
QPerfNations. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents: East (152), London (369),
Midlands (213), NE & Cumbria (140), North West (218), SE & South (250), SW & West (165), Yorks & Lincolnshire (145)
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
39
People in the East are most likely to feel their BBC region produces content for people like
them (66%), followed by London and the North West (both 64%). The lowest agreement for
this statement was given in the South East and South (55%).
7.3 Representing different communities, religions and minority ethnic groups
Overall, 44% of people in England feel that the BBC improves their understanding of
religions and other beliefs. While this represents a significant decline on the 2014 score
(49%), this statement also has a smaller performance gap compared to most other priorities
for this purpose.
Conversely, there has been a slight increase (+5, but not significant) in the number of non-
White British people8 who feel the BBC is good at representing their ethnic group (45%).
However, the performance gap for this measure remains large (-18), showing the importance
attributed to this issue.
Figure 7.5: Nations, regions and communities: performance
8 Nb. For consistency with the analysis from previous years, this performance score includes all non-White British
people (n=409), i.e. it includes people from White backgrounds who are not British.
49Confidential: For research purposes only
52%
47%
45%
44%
43%
The BBC supports the native languages of the UK other thanEnglish with programming and other content
The BBC is good at representing my faith (BASE: 662)
The BBC is good at representing my ethnic group (BASE: 409)
The BBC improves my understanding of religions and otherbeliefs
The BBC helps me feel more involved and interested in mylocal community
Performance (i.e. NET Agree)
The BBC is rated more highly than last year at representing ethnic minority
audiences. However, there remains a wide performance gap for this metric
Change
since 2014
-1
+2
+5
-5
Performance
Gap*
* = Agreement minus Importance
-2
+1
-21
-18
-6
-11
QPerfNations. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652) unless stated
QImpNations. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents (n=1,652) unless stated
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
40
Overall, 47% of those who follow any faith or religion agree that the BBC is good at
representing their particular faith or religion. Around half (49%) of those who say that they
follow Christianity feel that the BBC is good at representing their faith or religion, but this
drops to 39% when looking at those who claim to be followers of non-Christian faiths (as per
Figure 7.69).
Specifically among people of minority ethnic backgrounds10, 48% agree that the BBC is good
at representing their own ethnic group. There is some variation on this statement, however;
for instance, Black people (58%) are more likely to agree than Asian people (44%). Figure
7.6 shows responses to both statements by faith and ethnic group.
Figure 7.6: Representing different religions and ethnic groups
9 Nb. Figures are displayed for Christianity and Islam as the base size for these faiths was large enough for
analysis (Christianity : 513; Islam: 76). Base sizes for Hinduism (n=26), Judaism (n=9) and Sikhism (n=10) are too small for analysis. 10
Nb. This figure includes only those from non-White backgrounds (n=345).
61Confidential: For research purposes only
Black people are more likely than Asian people and especially those from a
mixed ethnic background to believe the BBC is good at representing their
ethnic group
47%
49%
39%
45%
Total: Follow any faith/religion
Follow Christianity
Follow any non-Christian faith
Follow Islam
% Agree: ‘The BBC is good at representing my
faith/religion’
QPerfNations. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Base: All with faith/religion (662). Base: All ethnic minorities (345).
48%
32%
44%
58%
All ethnic minorities
Mixed
Asian
Black
% Agree: ‘The BBC is good at representing my
ethnic group’
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
41
8. Education
Promoting education and learning
8.1 Overall views on the Education purpose
Overall, statements for the Education purpose receive an average score of 68%, making it
the second highest performing purpose across the PRS. The significant decrease in
importance attributed to the Education statements has resulted in a narrowing of the
performance gap, a continuation of a trend from autumn 2013. Figure 8.1 shows the
changes in these scores over time. Since 2008, both scores have declined significantly (79%
in 2008 to 72% in 2015 for importance and 76% in 2008 to 68% in 2015 for performance).
Figure 8.1: Education: trend data
58Confidential: For research purposes only
76%72%
76%
69%71%
66%72%
68% 71% 71%68%
79%76%
81%77% 79%
69%
77% 77% 79%76%
72%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Performance(%)
Importance(%)
The Education purpose performance gap has narrowed in
recent years
-3 -4 -6 -8 -8 -3 -4 -9 -8 -5 -4 Performance
gap
QPerfEducation. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpEducation. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
42
Overall, the average performance for the Education purpose is consistent across the
different UK nations. England (68%) has a slightly higher average score compared to other
nations, while the score for Northern Ireland (57%) is slightly lower.
Figure 8.2: Education: sub-group analysis by nation
Agreement with the Education purpose statements remains generally high. Despite a three-
point decrease since 2014, more than seven in ten (71%) agree that they have ‘learned new
things from programmes or online content on the BBC’. Nearly two thirds (65%) agree that
the BBC helps children/teenagers with what they learn at school/college, showing a
continued high regard for the educational focus of BBC programmes.
Figure 8.3: Education: performance
66Confidential: For research purposes only
68%64% 66%
57%
72% 71% 73%66%
England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland
Performance Importance
QPerfEducation. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents (2,831)
QImpEducation. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents (2,831)
2015
Performance
gap
-4 -7
UPDATED
-7 -9
57Confidential: For research purposes only
71%
65%
I have learned new things from programmes oronline content on the BBC
The BBC helps children/teenagers with what theylearn at school/college
Performance (i.e. NET Agree)
QPerfEducation. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
QImpEducation. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652)
The BBC continues to be highly regarded in terms of the
educational focus of its programmes
Change
since 2014
-3
-2
Performance
Gap*
* = Agreement minus Importance
-2
-6
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
43
Parents with children in their household are more likely than those without children in their
household to rate the BBC’s educational role in helping children and teens with what they
learn at school/college (75% vs. 62%).
Figure 8.4: Education: sub-group analysis
72%70%75%
62%
Children aged 18 & under in householdNo children aged 18 & under in household
Have learned new things from BBC programmes or online content
The BBC helps children/teens with what they learn at school/college% Agree
QPerfEducation. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All with children (464), All without children in
household (859). QImpEducation. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…?
-7 -3
2015
Performance
gap-1 -3
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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9. Digital Delivering to the public the benefits of emerging communications,
technologies and services
9.1 Overall views on the Digital purpose
The average performance score for the Digital purpose in England is 56%. Although this
represents a four point decrease since 2014, scores for this purpose remain high in historical
terms, as illustrated in Figure 9.1. Over time, digital channels are becoming increasingly
widely used and relevant. As such, ratings for both importance and performance are
significantly higher than they were when first measured in 2008. However, as Figure 9.1
shows, scores for both importance and performance in England have plateaued since
2012/13.
Figure 9.1: Digital: trend data
There have been significant decreases in performance across several measures, as shown
in Figure 9.2. Despite these changes, however, the notably small performance gaps for this
purpose illustrate that the BBC is generally meeting people’s needs.
62Confidential: For research purposes only
36%
32%
39%37% 37% 35%
41%49%
55%
60%56%
35%
35%
33% 32% 31% 30%
36%
53%56%
60%57%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Autumn2008
Spring2009
Autumn2009
Spring2010
Autumn2010
Spring2011
Autumn2011
Winter12/13
Autumn2013
Autumn2014
Autumn2015
Performance(%)
Importance(%)
Despite a dip in performance, the BBC’s average Digital
purpose score remains high in historical terms
+1 -3 +7 +6 +5 +6 +5 -4 -1 0 -1 Performance
gap
QPerfComms. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652).
QImpComms. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652) .
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
45
Figure 9.2: Digital: performance
The average performance score against the Digital purpose in England is similar to the rest
of the UK. It is in line with the scores in Scotland (55%) and Wales (52%), but slightly higher
than Northern Ireland (45%).
Users of the BBC’s digital services in England tend to give more positive ratings, as
displayed in Table 9.1 below. For example, those who use the BBC website, iPlayer, BBC
apps or social media content are all significantly more likely than average to say that the
BBC provides quality content that they enjoy or find useful on the internet. All percentages
highlighted in bold in the table below are significantly higher than the overall score.
Table 9.1: Digital: sub-group analysis by users in England
% Agree by sub-group
Total
(n=1,625)
BBC website users
(n=891)
BBC iPlayer users
(n=796)
BBC app users
(n=602)
Accessed BBC content
on social media
(n=234)
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on the internet
65% 80% 83% 82% 82%
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on mobile phones and tablets
53% 66% 69% 79% 74%
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on DAB digital radio
48% 58% 58% 62% 71%
The BBC has helped me make the most of new technologies such as interactive TV and the internet
53% 65% 67% 71% 73%
61Confidential: For research purposes only
65%
63%
53%
53%
48%
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or usefulon the internet
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or usefulon BBC iPlayer
The BBC has helped me make the most of new technologiessuch as interactive TV and the internet
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or usefulon mobile phones and tablets
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or usefulon DAB digital radio
Performance (i.e. NET Agree)
QPerfComms. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652).
QImpComms. How important or unimportant for you personally is it that…? Base: All respondents in England (n=1,652) .
The BBC’s digital provision remains highly regarded although
perceived performance has fallen slightly
Change
since 2014
-3
-
-5
-5
Performance
Gap*
* = Agreement minus Importance
-4
+1
-1
-2
-2
-1
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
46
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on BBC iPlayer
63% 78% 82% 80% 79%
Perceptions also vary significantly by age. In particular, people aged between 25 and 44 are
significantly more likely to feel that the BBC provides quality content that they find enjoyable
or useful on the internet, with 73% of 35-44 year olds and 74% of 25-34 year olds agreeing
with this statement. Levels of agreement among each age group are displayed in Table 9.2
below.
Table 9.2: Digital: sub-group analysis by age in England
% Agree by sub-group
Total (n=1,625)
16-24 year olds
(n=179)
25-34 year olds
(n=316)
35-44 year olds
(n=250)
45-54 year olds
(n=306)
55-64 year olds
(n=246)
65+ year olds
(n=355)
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on the internet
65% 67% 74% 73% 64% 61% 51%
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on mobile phones and tablets
53% 57% 66% 62% 53% 46% 34%
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on DAB digital radio
48% 48% 54% 55% 51% 46% 32%
The BBC has helped me make the most of new technologies such as interactive TV and the internet
53% 56% 61% 64% 52% 51% 36%
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on BBC iPlayer
63% 62% 71% 68% 64% 60% 51%
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
47
Appendices Appendix 1: Trend data for general measures and purposes in England
Appendix Table 1.1: General measures of the BBC’s performance, 2008-2015
General measure Wave Score
Mean ‘overall impression’ score (1-10)
Autumn ‘08 6.8
Spring ‘09 6.7
Autumn ‘09 6.6
Spring ‘10 6.8
Autumn ‘10 6.9
Spring ‘11 6.6
Autumn ‘11 6.8
Winter 12/13 7.3
Autumn ‘13 7.4
Autumn ‘14 7.5
Autumn ‘15 7.4
% agreeing the BBC offers a bit, a lot, or everything I need
Autumn ‘08 n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a
Spring ‘10 n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a
Spring ‘11 n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a
Winter 12/13 58%
Autumn ‘13 59%
Autumn ‘14 61%
Autumn ‘15 55%
% likely to miss the BBC if it wasn’t there Autumn ‘08 81%
Spring ‘09 86%
Autumn ‘09 81%
Spring ‘10 84%
Autumn ‘10 82%
Spring ‘11 79%
Autumn ‘11 82%
Winter 12/13 80%
Autumn ‘13 78%
Autumn ‘14 79%
Autumn ‘15 78%
% saying the BBC offers ‘fairly good’ or ‘good’ value for Autumn ‘08 61%
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
48
Appendix Table 1.1: General measures of the BBC’s performance, 2008-2015
money Spring ‘09 55%
Autumn ‘09 60%
Spring ‘10 60%
Autumn ‘10 57%
Spring ‘11 58%
Autumn ‘11 58%
Winter 12/13 58%
Autumn ‘13 60%
Autumn ‘14 57%
Autumn ‘15 58%
Appendix Table 1.2: Creativity purpose, 2008-2015
Statement Wave
Performance (%)
Importance (%)
Gap
Average for Creativity purpose Autumn ‘08 56 65 -9
Spring ‘09 60 68 -8
Autumn ‘09 56 65 -9
Spring ‘10 59 67 -7
Autumn ‘10 59 65 -7
Spring ‘11 57 63 -6
Autumn ‘11 61 67 -6
Winter 12/13 59 67 -8
Autumn ‘13 62 67 -5
Autumn ‘14 63 67 -4
Autumn ‘15 61 67 -6
The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas Autumn ‘08 56 76 -20
Spring ‘09 58 78 -20
Autumn ‘09 53 77 -24
Spring ‘10 55 76 -21
Autumn ‘10 55 76 -21
Spring ‘11 54 75 -21
Autumn ‘11 57 78 -21
Winter 12/13 56 79 -23
Autumn ‘13 63 78 -15
Autumn ‘14 63 77 -13
Autumn ‘15 61 75 -14
The BBC makes programmes or online content that no other broadcaster would make
Autumn ‘08 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.2: Creativity purpose, 2008-2015
Spring ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 47 63 -16
Autumn ‘13 50 60 -10
Autumn ‘14 52 64 -12
Autumn ‘15 53 65 -12
The BBC makes high quality programmes or online content
Autumn ‘08 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 76 83 -6
Autumn ‘13 77 79 -3
Autumn ‘14 76 79 -3
Autumn ‘15 76 81 -5
The BBC introduces me to new presenters, actors, writers, and musical artists from the UK [2009: The BBC introduces me to new UK talent (such as presenters, actors, writers and musical artists)]
Autumn ‘08 55 59 -4
Spring ‘09 66 62 4
Autumn ‘09 56 61 -5
Spring ‘10 64 65 -2
Autumn ‘10 59 62 -4
Spring ‘11 61 60 1
Autumn ‘11 65 63 2
Winter 12/13 60 59 1
Autumn ‘13 63 62 1
Autumn ‘14 61 59 2
Autumn ‘15 60 57 3
The BBC provides programmes and online content which cover a wide range of cultural activities, for example music, theatre, and sports [2008-2011: The BBC provides programmes and online content that cover a wide range of cultural and creative activities]
Autumn ‘08 65 66 -1
Spring ‘09 71 75 -4
Autumn ‘09 62 67 -4
Spring ‘10 75 72 3
Autumn ‘10 69 71 -3
Spring ‘11 65 64 1
Autumn ‘11 72 70 2
Winter 12/13 71 72 -1
Autumn ‘13 74 71 3
Autumn ‘14 75 72 4
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.2: Creativity purpose, 2008-2015
Autumn ‘15 75 72 3
Programmes or online content on the BBC sometimes make me want to take part in a specific event or activity
Autumn ‘08 40 49 -9
Spring ‘09 41 48 -6
Autumn ‘09 45 43 1
Spring ‘10 42 45 -4
Autumn ‘10 42 43 -1
Spring ‘11 44 43 1
Autumn ‘11 42 46 -4
Winter 12/13 36 38 -3
Autumn ‘13 39 45 -5
Autumn ‘14 44 44 1
Autumn ‘15 38 42 -4
The BBC has a wide range of enjoyable and entertaining programmes and online content
Autumn ‘08 67 77 -10
Spring ‘09 73 82 -9
Autumn ‘09 69 83 -14
Spring ‘10 70 79 -9
Autumn ‘10 72 78 -6
Spring ‘11 68 79 -11
Autumn ‘11 72 82 -10
Winter 12/13 72 81 -9
Autumn ‘13 75 80 -5
Autumn ‘14 74 79 -6
Autumn ‘15 73 80 -7
The BBC helps me enjoy my interests, hobbies and passions
Autumn ‘08 51 62 -11
Spring ‘09 53 63 -10
Autumn ‘09 52 61 -9
Spring ‘10 52 63 -12
Autumn ‘10 56 62 -6
Spring ‘11 50 58 -8
Autumn ‘11 57 63 -7
Winter 12/13 52 61 -9
Autumn ‘13 53 61 -8
Autumn ‘14 58 63 -5
Autumn ‘15 54 59 -5
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.3: Citizenship purpose, 2008-2015
Statement Wave
Performance (%)
Importance (%)
Gap
Average for Citizenship purpose Autumn ‘08 64 65 -1
Spring ‘09 66 71 -4
Autumn ‘09 62 66 -4
Spring ‘10 64 63 1
Autumn ‘10 63 63 0
Spring ‘11 61 61 -1
Autumn ‘11 63 66 -2
Winter 12/13 62 68 -7
Autumn ‘13 65 69 -4
Autumn ‘14 64 68 -4
Autumn ‘15 63 69 -6
The BBC provides high quality independent journalism
Autumn ‘08 71 75 -4
Spring ‘09 73 80 -6
Autumn ‘09 69 75 -7
Spring ‘10 73 73 0
Autumn ‘10 72 74 -2
Spring ‘11 70 72 -2
Autumn ‘11 71 77 -5
Winter 12/13 65 77 -13
Autumn ‘13 67 77 -9
Autumn ‘14 66 75 -9
Autumn ‘15 66 77 -11
The BBC makes news and current affairs and other topical issues interesting to me
Autumn ‘08 70 74 -4
Spring ‘09 77 78 -1
Autumn ‘09 72 76 -4
Spring ‘10 74 71 3
Autumn ‘10 72 71 1
Spring ‘11 71 74 -3
Autumn ‘11 74 74 0
Winter 12/13 71 76 -5
Autumn ‘13 73 76 -3
Autumn ‘14 71 75 -4
Autumn ‘15 70 75 -5
BBC coverage of the news and current affairs has got me talking about them
Autumn ‘08 69 64 4
Spring ‘09 71 65 6
Autumn ‘09 61 60 2
Spring ‘10 69 59 10
Autumn ‘10 65 62 3
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.3: Citizenship purpose, 2008-2015
Spring ‘11 62 57 5
Autumn ‘11 68 64 4
Winter 12/13 62 61 1
Autumn ‘13 65 62 3
Autumn ‘14 64 62 2
Autumn ‘15 61 60 1
The BBC helps me understand UK-wide politics
Autumn ‘08 66 66 1
Spring ‘09 72 73 0
Autumn ‘09 67 69 -2
Spring ‘10 68 65 3
Autumn ‘10 67 65 2
Spring ‘11 65 62 2
Autumn ‘11 66 66 -1
Winter 12/13 66 72 -6
Autumn ‘13 69 72 -3
Autumn ‘14 67 71 -3
Autumn ‘15 66 73 -7
The BBC helps me understand politics in Europe
Autumn ‘08 57 57 0
Spring ‘09 59 67 -9
Autumn ‘09 53 58 -4
Spring ‘10 52 52 0
Autumn ‘10 55 51 3
Spring ‘11 56 54 2
Autumn ‘11 59 62 -3
Winter 12/13 57 65 -7
Autumn ‘13 60 65 -4
Autumn ‘14 60 64 -3
Autumn ‘15 60 66 -6
The BBC helps me understand politics in my nation/region
Autumn ‘08 57 62 -5
Spring ‘09 58 69 -10
Autumn ‘09 60 67 -8
Spring ‘10 55 63 -7
Autumn ‘10 55 63 -8
Spring ‘11 53 60 -8
Autumn ‘11 53 64 -11
Winter 12/13 58 68 -10
Autumn ‘13 61 69 -7
Autumn ‘14 59 68 -9
Autumn ‘15 58 66 -8
The BBC helps me understand politics in Autumn ‘08 56 56 0
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.3: Citizenship purpose, 2008-2015
the other nations of the UK Spring ‘09 54 63 -9
Autumn ‘09 55 58 -2
Spring ‘10 55 54 1
Autumn ‘10 55 56 0
Spring ‘11 48 50 -2
Autumn ‘11 53 54 -1
Winter 12/13 53 60 -7
Autumn ‘13 58 61 -3
Autumn ‘14 61 63 -2
Autumn ‘15 60 65 -5
Appendix Table 1.4: Global purpose, 2008-2015
Statement Wave
Performance (%)
Importance (%)
Gap
Average for Global purpose Autumn ‘08 75 74 1
Spring ‘09 81 83 -1
Autumn ‘09 75 75 0
Spring ‘10 79 77 2
Autumn ‘10 75 74 0
Spring ‘11 76 75 1
Autumn ‘11 83 82 1
Winter 12/13 73 79 -6
Autumn ‘13 74 79 -5
Autumn ‘14 74 78 -4
Autumn ‘15 72 77 -5
The BBC helps me understand what is
going on in the wider world, such as
international news and events
Autumn ‘08 78 76 3
Spring ‘09 84 84 0
Autumn ‘09 78 77 1
Spring ‘10 81 79 2
Autumn ‘10 78 76 2
Spring ‘11 79 79 0
Autumn ‘11 83 82 1
Winter 12/13 80 82 -2
Autumn ‘13 80 82 -2
Autumn ‘14 79 81 -2
Autumn ‘15 78 80 -2
The BBC helps me understand the cultures and lifestyles of people from around the world
Autumn ‘08 71 72 -1
Spring ‘09 78 81 -3
Autumn ‘09 73 74 -1
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.4: Global purpose, 2008-2015
[2008-2011: The BBC helps me understand and appreciate the cultures and lifestyles of people from around the world]
Spring ‘10 77 75 2
Autumn ‘10 72 73 -1
Spring ‘11 74 71 3
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 73 77 -3
Autumn ‘13 74 75 -1
Autumn ‘14 74 76 -2
Autumn ‘15 72 74 -2
The BBC is good at presenting a positive image of the UK to the rest of the world
Autumn ‘08 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 67 79 -12
Autumn ‘13 68 80 -12
Autumn ‘14 70 78 -8
Autumn ‘15 65 77 -11
Appendix Table 1.5: Nations, regions and communities purpose, 2008-2015
Statement Wave
Performance (%)
Importance (%)
Gap
Average for Nations, regions, and communities purpose [Excluding statements not asked of the full sample]
Autumn ‘08 45 54 -9
Spring ‘09 46 50 -4
Autumn ‘09 48 54 -6
Spring ‘10 43 46 -3
Autumn ‘10 48 53 -5
Spring ‘11 40 42 -2
Autumn ‘11 46 47 -1
Winter 12/13 49 61 -11
Autumn ‘13 53 61 -8
Autumn ‘14 55 62 -7
Autumn ‘15 51 59 -8
The BBC is good at representing life in my nation/region to the rest of the UK in its main UK news and current affairs programmes and online content
Autumn ‘08 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.5: Nations, regions and communities purpose, 2008-2015
Spring ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 58 70 -12
Autumn ‘13 60 70 -9
Autumn ‘14 61 68 -7
Autumn ‘15 54 65 -11
The BBC is good at representing life in my nation/region to the rest of the UK in its drama, documentaries, and other entertainment programmes and online content
Autumn ‘08 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 56 70 -14
Autumn ‘13 62 69 -7
Autumn ‘14 60 70 -11
Autumn ‘15 55 64 -9
My regional BBC content provides programmes and content that is for people like me
Autumn ‘08 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 58 73 -15
Autumn ‘13 60 72 -12
Autumn ‘14 65 71 -6
Autumn ‘15 60 70 -10
The BBC helps me feel more involved and interested in my local community
Autumn ‘08 36 57 -21
Spring ‘09 42 55 -13
Autumn ‘09 40 55 -14
Spring ‘10 39 51 -11
Autumn ‘10 37 54 -17
Spring ‘11 37 48 -11
Autumn ‘11 38 51 -12
Winter 12/13 37 54 -17
Autumn ‘13 42 55 -13
Autumn ‘14 45 56 -11
Autumn ‘15 43 54 -11
The BBC improves my understanding of Autumn ‘08 54 55 -2
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.5: Nations, regions and communities purpose, 2008-2015
religions and other beliefs [2008-2011: The BBC raises my awareness and understanding of different religious and other beliefs]
Spring ‘09 51 50 1
Autumn ‘09 60 55 4
Spring ‘10 50 49 1
Autumn ‘10 60 58 2
Spring ‘11 45 41 3
Autumn ‘11 51 49 3
Winter 12/13 42 49 -7
Autumn ‘13 47 50 -3
Autumn ‘14 49 55 -6
Autumn ‘15 44 50 -6
The BBC is good at representing my religion* *Only asked of participants who said they followed a particular faith
Autumn ‘08 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 37 65 -28
Autumn ‘13 47 67 -20
Autumn ‘14 45 68 -23
Autumn ‘15 47 68 -21
The BBC is good at representing my ethnic group* *2015: Only including participants from non-White British backgrounds
Autumn ‘08 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 37 69 -32
Autumn ‘13 47 69 -21
Autumn ‘14 40 59 -19
Autumn ‘15 45 63 -18
The BBC supports the native languages of the UK other than English with programming and other content [2008-2011: The BBC supports the indigenous languages…]
Autumn ‘08 45 48 -3
Spring ‘09 44 44 -1
Autumn ‘09 44 51 -7
Spring ‘10 40 40 0
Autumn ‘10 47 48 -1
Spring ‘11 39 38 1
Autumn ‘11 48 40 8
Winter 12/13 45 48 -3
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.5: Nations, regions and communities purpose, 2008-2015
Autumn ‘13 49 50 -1
Autumn ‘14 53 52 0
Autumn ‘15 52 51 1
The BBC supports my native language with programming and other content* *2015: Only including participants who speak a non-English native language of the UK
Autumn ‘08 * * *
Spring ‘09 * * *
Autumn ‘09 * * *
Spring ‘10 * * *
Autumn ‘10 * * *
Spring ‘11 * * *
Autumn ‘11 * * *
Winter 12/13 * * *
Autumn ‘13 * * *
Autumn ‘14 * * *
Autumn ‘15 60 70 -4
Appendix Table 1.6: Education purpose, 2008-2015
Statement Wave
Performance (%)
Importance (%)
Gap
Average for Education purpose Autumn ‘08 76 79 -3
Spring ‘09 72 76 -4
Autumn ‘09 76 81 -6
Spring ‘10 69 77 -8
Autumn ‘10 71 79 -8
Spring ‘11 66 69 -3
Autumn ‘11 72 77 -4
Winter 12/13 68 77 -9
Autumn ‘13 71 79 -8
Autumn ‘14 71 76 -5
Autumn ‘15 68 72 -4
I have learned new things from
programmes or online content on the
BBC
[2008-2011: I have learned new things
while enjoying programmes or content
on the BBC]
Autumn ‘08 81 80 -7
Spring ‘09 78 77 -3
Autumn ‘09 77 80 1
Spring ‘10 75 78 5
Autumn ‘10 72 78 -2
Spring ‘11 72 71 -4
Autumn ‘11 76 77 -2
Winter 12/13 73 78 -5
Autumn ‘13 74 79 -3
Autumn ‘14 74 76 -1
BBC Trust Purpose Remit Survey 2015 – England Report
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Appendix Table 1.6: Education purpose, 2008-2015
Autumn ‘15 71 73 -2
The BBC helps children/teens with what they learn at school/college
Autumn ‘08 72 79 -6
Spring ‘09 67 75 -9
Autumn ‘09 74 83 -9
Spring ‘10 63 76 -13
Autumn ‘10 69 80 -11
Spring ‘11 59 68 -8
Autumn ‘11 68 77 -9
Winter 12/13 62 76 -14
Autumn ‘13 68 79 -11
Autumn ‘14 67 76 -9
Autumn ‘15 65 71 -6
Appendix Table 1.7: Digital purpose, 2008-2015
Statement Wave
Performance (%)
Importance (%)
Gap
Average for Digital purpose Autumn ‘08 36 35 1
Spring ‘09 32 35 -3
Autumn ‘09 39 33 7
Spring ‘10 37 32 6
Autumn ‘10 37 31 5
Spring ‘11 35 30 6
Autumn ‘11 41 36 5
Winter 12/13 49 53 -4
Autumn ‘13 55 56 -1
Autumn ‘14 60 60 0
Autumn ‘15 56 57 -1
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on the internet
Autumn ‘08 47 46 1
Spring ‘09 46 46 0
Autumn ‘09 50 21 29
Spring ‘10 48 24 25
Autumn ‘10 47 25 23
Spring ‘11 50 21 29
Autumn ‘11 55 30 25
Winter 12/13 60 63 -2
Autumn ‘13 66 64 2
Autumn ‘14 68 65 3
Autumn ‘15 65 64 1
The BBC provides quality content that I Autumn ‘08 18 17 0
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Appendix Table 1.7: Digital purpose, 2008-2015
find enjoyable or useful on mobile phones and tablets* * ‘tablets’ was added to this question in the winter ‘12/’13 survey
Spring ‘09 13 18 -5
Autumn ‘09 20 21 -2
Spring ‘10 21 24 -3
Autumn ‘10 24 25 -1
Spring ‘11 18 21 -2
Autumn ‘11 28 30 -2
Winter 12/13 44 50 -6
Autumn ‘13 50 52 -2
Autumn ‘14 58 57 1
Autumn ‘15 53 55 -2
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on DAB digital radio
Autumn ‘08 36 34 2
Spring ‘09 30 34 -4
Autumn ‘09 41 42 -1
Spring ‘10 37 37 0
Autumn ‘10 36 33 3
Spring ‘11 35 37 -2
Autumn ‘11 37 37 0
Winter 12/13 42 45 -3
Autumn ‘13 47 49 -2
Autumn ‘14 52 52 1
Autumn ‘15 48 49 -1
The BBC has helped me make the most of new technologies such as interactive TV and the internet
Autumn ‘08 43 41 2
Spring ‘09 38 41 -3
Autumn ‘09 45 45 0
Spring ‘10 44 42 1
Autumn ‘10 39 43 -4
Spring ‘11 39 41 -2
Autumn ‘11 45 47 -2
Winter 12/13 50 56 -6
Autumn ‘13 58 58 -1
Autumn ‘14 58 61 -3
Autumn ‘15 53 55 -2
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or useful on BBC iPlayer
Autumn ‘08 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘09 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘10 n/a n/a n/a
Spring ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘11 n/a n/a n/a
Winter 12/13 n/a n/a n/a
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Appendix Table 1.7: Digital purpose, 2008-2015
Autumn ‘13 n/a n/a n/a
Autumn ‘14 63 65 -2
Autumn ‘15 63 64 -1
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Appendix 2: General measures scores, purposes and statements by nation
Appendix Table 2.1: Performance in general measures, by nation
General measure Nation
England Wales Scotland Northern Ireland
Total
Mean ‘overall impression’ score (1-10)* 7.4 7.5 6.9 7.3 7.3
% agreeing the BBC offers a bit, a lot, or everything I need 55% 61% 50% 50% 55%
% likely to miss the BBC if it wasn’t there 78% 83% 72% 75% 78%
% saying the BBC offers ‘fairly good’ or ‘good’ value for money
58% 62% 49% 46% 57%
Unweighted base 1,652 385 412 382 2,831
Appendix Table 2.2: Statements’ performance scores, by nation
Statement Nation
England Wales Scotland Northern Ireland
Total
% % % % %
Mean Creativity performance 61 61 58 55 61
The BBC has lots of fresh and new ideas 61 62 58 55 60
The BBC makes programmes or online content that no
other broadcaster would make 53 56 50 44 53
The BBC makes high quality programmes or online content 76 79 73 69 76
The BBC introduces me to new presenters, actors, writers,
and musical artists from the UK 60 59 58 54 60
The BBC provides programmes and online content which
cover a wide range of cultural activities, for example music,
theatre, and sports
75 79 71 68 74
Programmes or online content on the BBC sometimes
make me want to take part in a specific event or activity 38 31 35 33 37
The BBC has a wide range of enjoyable and entertaining
programmes and online content 73 79 67 64 72
The BBC helps me enjoy my interests, hobbies and
passions 54 58 53 50 54
Mean Citizenship performance 63 66 60 60 63
The BBC provides high quality independent journalism 66 65 62 62 65
The BBC makes news and current affairs and other topical
issues interesting to me 70 74 66 64 70
BBC coverage of the news and current affairs has got me
talking about them 61 62 61 60 61
The BBC helps me understand UK-wide politics 66 71 63 62 66
The BBC helps me understand politics in Europe 60 62 54 59 60
The BBC helps me understand politics in my nation/region 58 66 59 59 59
The BBC helps me understand politics in the other nations
of the UK 60 63 58 57 60
Mean Global performance 72 73 68 68 71
The BBC helps me understand what is going on in the
wider world, such as international news and events 78 80 73 72 77
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Appendix Table 2.2: Statements’ performance scores, by nation
The BBC helps me understand the cultures and lifestyles of
people from around the world 72 72 69 70 72
The BBC is good at presenting a positive image of the UK
to the rest of the world 65 66 64 61 65
Mean Nations, regions and communities performance* 51 52 49 47 51
The BBC is good at representing life in my nation/region to
the rest of the UK in its main UK news and current affairs
programmes and online content
54 55 50 50 54
The BBC is good at representing life in my nation/region to
the rest of the UK in its drama, documentaries, and other
entertainment programmes and online content
55 55 51 50 55
My regional BBC content provides programmes and
content that is for people like me 60 61 57 54 59
The BBC helps me feel more involved and interested in my
local community 43 43 38 41 43
The BBC improves my understanding of religions and other
beliefs 44 42 39 39 44
The BBC is good at representing my religion* 47 42 46 40 46
The BBC is good at representing my ethnic group* 45 35 40 42 44
The BBC supports the native languages of the UK other
than English with programming and other content 52 58 61 45 53
The BBC supports my native language with programming
and other content* 66 63 53 49 61
Mean Education performance 68 66 64 57 68
I have learned new things from programmes or online
content on the BBC 71 72 68 59 71
The BBC helps children/teens with what they learn at
school/college 65 59 60 54 64
Mean Digital performance 56 52 55 45 56
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or
useful on the internet 65 62 62 53 64
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or
useful on mobile phones and tablets 53 48 54 41 52
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or
useful on DAB digital radio 48 41 45 34 47
The BBC has helped me make the most of new
technologies such as interactive TV and the internet 53 51 50 43 53
The BBC provides quality content that I find enjoyable or
useful on BBC iPlayer 63 59 62 53 62
Unweighted base – Most statements 1,652 385 412 382 2,831
*Unweighted base - The BBC is good at representing my
religion 662 132 122 247 1,163
*Unweighted base - The BBC is good at representing my
ethnic group 409 38 33 106 586
*Unweighted base - The BBC supports my native language
with programming and other content 78 102 109 49 338
*Nb. For the individual nations, the average performance scores for the Nations, regions and communities purpose exclude the three statements not asked of the full sample due to small base sizes.
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Appendix 3: Guide to statistical reliability
The respondents to the questionnaire are only a sample of the population in England. We
cannot, therefore, be certain that the figures obtained are exactly those we would have if
everyone in England had been interviewed (the ‘true’ values). We can, however, predict the
variation between the sample results and the ‘true’ values from knowledge of the size of the
samples on which the results are based and the number of times that a particular answer is
given.
The confidence with which we can make this prediction is usually chosen to be 95% - that is,
the chances are 95 in 100 that the “true” value will fall within a specified range. The table
below illustrates the predicted ranges for different sample sizes and percentage results at
the “95% confidence interval”11.
Size of sample on which survey result is based
Approximate sampling tolerances applicable to percentages at or near these levels
Statistical reliability
10%/90% 30%/70% 50%/50%
100 interviews 5.9 9.0 9.8
200 interviews 4.2 6.4 6.9
500 interviews 2.6 4.0 4.4
1,000 interviews 1.9 2.8 3.1
1,652 interviews (England –
whole sample) 1.4 2.2 2.4
* For example, with a sample of 500 respondents where 30% give a particular answer, the
chances are 19 in 20 that the “true” value (which would have been obtained if the whole
population had been interviewed) will fall within the range of plus or minus 4 percentage
points (+/-4%) from the sample result, so from 26% to 34%.
Comparing percentages between sub-groups and the overall total
When results are compared between separate groups within a sample, different results may
be obtained. The difference may be “real”, or it may occur by chance (because not everyone
in the population has been interviewed). To test if the difference is a real one - i.e. if it is
“statistically significant”, we again have to know the size of the samples, the percentage
giving a certain answer and the degree of confidence chosen. If we assume the “95%
confidence interval”, the differences between the two sample results must be greater than
the values given in the table below:
11
It should be noted that these figures assume a simple random probability sample design with no design effects; in reality, with quota surveys these are likely to occur and widen the margin of error and are not errors we can measure, so this should be treated as a guide only.
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Size of samples compared Differences required for percentage levels
significance at or near these
Statistical reliability
10%/90% 30%/70% 50%/50%
500 and 500 3.7 5.0 6.2
500 and 1,000 3.2 4.9 5.4
778 and 874 (i.e. male and
female) 3.1 4.6 4.9
1,000 and 1,000 2.6 4.0 4.4
1,000 and 1,652 2.3 3.5 3.8
* For example, when comparing the results between men and women, where 30% give a
particular answer, a difference of 4.6% is required for it to be considered statistically
significant (for example if 30% of men answered one way and 34.6% or more or 25.4% or
less of women said the same thing we could say that there is a difference between men and
women at this response).