The veteran broadcaster launched a blistering assault on the BBC over its report of the creation of a UK “tech city”.
The veteran broadcaster launched a blistering assault on the BBC over a UK ‘tech city’ (Picture: Getty)
Veteran broadcaster Andrew Neil has launched a blistering assault on the BBC, branding it “state propaganda” after a section on The One Present highlighted government-backed funding for a UK city. The outspoken political commentator took to X (previously Twitter) to mock a report about £500,000 being allotted to remodel the South Yorkshire city of Barnsley right into a so-called “tech city”.
In a scathing put up, Neil wrote: “Wow. £500,000 in funding for AI in Barnsley to make it our first ‘Tech city’. That’ll have them shaking of their footwear in Silicon Valley.” He then turned his fireplace on the BBC’s protection, questioning why the broadcaster was selling the initiative in any respect and suggesting it resembled Authorities messaging quite than neutral journalism. “Why is the BBC fronting this state propaganda as an alternative of exposing it for the pathetic performative nonsense it’s?” he requested. “BBC viewers deserve higher. Barnsley deserves significantly better.”
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Critics have steadily accused the BBC of bias or of selling official narratives (Picture: Getty)
The feedback add gasoline to the long-running debate concerning the BBC’s position and impartiality, which is funded primarily by means of the licence price. Critics have steadily accused the company of bias or of selling official narratives, whereas defenders argue it stays one of many world’s most trusted public service broadcasters.
Earlier this 12 months, Barnsley was named the “UK’s first Tech City”. Introduced by ministers in February 2026, the scheme entails rolling out synthetic intelligence throughout native colleges, companies and NHS providers over the following 18 months, with bespoke assist designed to spice up expertise, enhance public providers and create new job alternatives. The programme is meant as a nationwide pilot, positioning Barnsley as a “trailblazer” and blueprint for a way AI may very well be embedded into on a regular basis life throughout Britain.
The programme will embrace free AI and digital coaching. “Working with Barnsley Faculty and the South Yorkshire Institute of Expertise, residents will be capable of participate in free programs to spice up their profession, retrain or just be taught one thing new,” the Authorities stated in its press launch.
It is going to additionally accomplice with Barnsley Hospital to check AI instruments that supply faster check-ins, quicker triage and smoother outpatient care to “provid[e] a greater service and [free] up NHS staff to concentrate on what they do finest”.
Mr Neil himself isn’t any stranger to clashes together with his former employer. The seasoned journalist spent many years on the BBC, fronting main political programmes earlier than leaving the company in 2020. After serving to launch GB Information in 2021 as its chairman and presenter, he now repeatedly writes a column for the Day by day Mail and continues to seem as a political commentator on TV and radio.
As a flagship BBC journal present with a broad, early-evening viewers, The One Present typically blends gentle leisure with human-interest tales and present affairs. The One Present is presently hosted by a rotating line-up together with Alex Jones, Jermaine Jenas and Roman Kemp.
Leave a Reply