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New UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said the BBC needs to do more to reflect the country’s “genuine diversity of thought and experience”.
Mr Dowden, who recently succeeded Nicky Morgan, made the comments in his first speech in the role on Thursday.
He also warned that the broadcaster must “guard its unique selling point of impartiality in all of its output”.
And he questioned whether the BBC is “ready to embrace proper reform to ensure its long-term sustainability”.
His comments come amid a debate about the future funding of the corporation.
The government is currently consulting on proposals to decriminalise TV licence fee evasion, while negotiations for the next licence fee settlement are due to take place.
Mr Dowden told Thursday’s Media and Telecoms 2020 & Beyond conference that audiences should “cherish” the unique contribution made by public service broadcasters.
The 41-year-old compared the BBC to the NHS in terms of its national cultural importance, but point out the need for it to change in order to stay relevant.
“If we’re honest, some of our biggest institutions missed, or were slow to pick up, key political and social trends in recent years,” Mr Dowden he said.
“The BBC needs to be closer to, and understand the perspectives of, the whole of the United Kingdom and avoid providing a narrow urban outlook.
‘Genuine diversity of thought’
“By this, I don’t just mean getting authentic and diverse voices on and off screen – although this is important,” he added.
“But also making sure there is genuine diversity of thought and experience.”
Mr Dowden pointed out the importance of safeguarding impartiality, citing research that suggested some viewers trust other broadcasters such as Sky and CNN more than the BBC.
“Ultimately, if people don’t perceive impartiality, then they won’t believe what they see and read and they’ll feel it is not relevant to them.
“In an age of fake news and self reinforcing algorithms, the need for genuine impartiality is greater than ever.”
While saying it needs to re-find its place in the age of streaming and subscription sites like YouTube and Netflix, he will conclude that “the BBC is an institution to be cherished”.
“We would be crazy to throw it away but it must reflect all of our nation, and all perspectives.”
BBC News announced in January it will cut around 450 jobs in line with its £80m savings target by 2022.
‘Happy to exploit’
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The BBC had no direct response to Mr Dowden’s comments, but writing in the Daily Mail on Tuesday, director general Tony Hall noted “the BBC has always been the first to embrace change”.
He pointed out that the BBC attempted to launch a Netflix-style model a decade ago.
“More than 10 years ago, back when Netflix was still delivering DVDs through the front door, the BBC joined forces with other public service broadcasters to set up a British video-on-demand service,” wrote Lord Hall.
“It was blocked by the regulators, opening up a gap that Netflix and others were only too happy to exploit.”
He added that the BBC had “worked hard to modernise our organisation”.
He said the organisation had been: “Driving down efficiencies to industry-leading levels. Cutting jobs and management layers. Streamlining our news operation. Reshaping what we do to meet the needs of today’s audiences.
“We know we have to do more to serve young people in particular.”
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