The BBC has said that its coverage of Charlie Kirk‘s assassination was “proportionate and appropriate” after viewer complaints.
The UK national broadcaster received an unspecified number of concerns from audience members who were disgruntled about BBC News’ Kirk output this month.
Some felt that BBC News’ reporting had been “biased against” Kirk’s views, while others said the controversial nature of his opinions should have been scrutinized more closely. Several viewers complained that there was “too much” coverage on BBC News.
One flashpoint in recent days was the decision by Sarah Smith, BBC News’ North America editor, to describe Kirk’s views as “far right” in her report about his memorial service. The characterization was slammed as “utterly disgraceful” by Liz Truss, the former British prime minister.
In a statement setting out its reasons for rejecting complaints, the BBC said: “Across our reporting we have generally referred to Mr Kirk as a ‘right-wing activist’, which we believe is an accurate, fair and duly impartial description of where Mr Kirk stood on the political spectrum.
“As one of the biggest conservative influencers in the U.S. today, we have highlighted that Charlie Kirk was seen as both the future of conservative activism and as a highly polarising figure, with his comments on gender, race and politics often drawing fierce liberal criticism.”
Dismissing concerns about too much coverage, the BBC added: “Charlie Kirk was one of the most prominent conservative activists and media personalities in the United States. He was a trusted ally of President Donald Trump and many credit his influence, particularly with young people, as a key reason behind President Trump’s victory in last year’s election.
“It was important to explore the implications his killing could have at an already highly volatile and divisive time in American politics … We believe our coverage has been proportionate and appropriate.”