Letters to the Editor

Countryside plea
June 18 2014
The BBC desperately needs a dedicated rural affairs correspondent in order to
cover wider issues
Sir,
The swift reinstatement of a dedicated rural affairs correspondent would
confirm that the BBC has not forgotten the countryside (report, June 17)
!ithout a specialist correspondent, "ournalists assigned to a story on the day
can only ever have a superficial understanding
# forthcoming report into the economic, environmental and social
contri$ution of shooting and its related conservation wor% will $e a test
Shooting is an integral and important part of life in the countryside $ut is
rarely given due credit &t provides "o$s, generates income and ma%es a
significant contri$ution to crop protection and food safety By creating and
managing ha$itats it $enefits a wide range of wildlife 'ittle of this good news
ever gets fully reported
The BBC(s local radio networ%, however, is une)ualled* local "ournalists %now
their patch and their audience, and fre)uently cover rural stories sensi$ly and
in depth +ore should $e made of their contri$utions
The BBC(s Countryfile programme includes a current affairs slot and does
cover wider issues &t is the agenda,setting news des%s in 'ondon that need to
ta%e a $roader view
-ichard #li
Chief e.ecutive, British #ssociation for Shooting and Conservation