THE BBC IS A ‘DISTORTING MIRROR’ – ROBIN AITKEN

Blog

Robin Aitken, former BBC journalist and author of The Noble Liar, spoke to me about his experiences within the BBC and his motivation for writing a new book. Robin provides a critical perspective on the organisation’s departure from impartiality, describing it as a “hyper liberal” institution that has forsaken traditional public morality. The full interview which covers Strictly, Dr Who, and the Huw Edwards’ scandal is available here.

Robin, who spent 25 years at the BBC while on its flagship Today Programme, contends that the corporation is “not an honest organisation”. This is because it consistently undermines its stated commitment to impartiality. Instead, he says it pushes a liberal agenda that “makes no distinction between any form of sexuality or bonding” and eroding values that once defined the nation. He believes this has resulted in a “distorting mirror” effect, where the BBC’s portrayal of issues shapes cultural norms rather than merely reflecting them.

Central to our discussion is the significance of marriage as a stabilising force. Robin stresses that the traditional two-parent family remains the “natural way of living” and consistently delivers better outcomes for adults and children. He contrasts this with alternative family forms, insisting that not “all forms of child-rearing are equivalent”. For Robin, this cultural shift represents a battle of ideas, one that he believes supporters of real marriage must actively engage in. We must “fight back”, he declares, emphasising the importance of challenging the prevailing narrative.

The interview also explores practical steps to strengthening the role of marriage in society, including reforming the tax system to make marriage a more attractive and supportive option. Robin says that restoring marriage to its rightful place as a social good is essential for real progress, which he defines not by material gains, but by moral integrity and family stability.

At C4M we call for a renewed commitment to uphold the values that have shaped society for generations. Our message is clear: the time has come to gather our forces and put the case for marriage front and centre in the national debate. Restoring these truths may take a generation, but the work begins now.