BBC clarifies lack of challenge and context in local radio climate segment

BBC Radio Northampton has acknowledged shortcomings in a July broadcast after a segment on the Annabel Amos programme failed to adequately challenge claims made by a contributor from Net Zero Watch.

In the 17 July 2025 episode, presenter Annabel Amos conducted an interview with Andrew Montford, a leading figure at Net Zero Watch. The BBC now states that several assertions made by Montford — including comments on the financial cost of carbon emissions — were presented without sufficient scrutiny.

The corporation also clarified that the segment did not provide listeners with appropriate context about Net Zero Watch or Montford’s wider standpoint. While the overall programme featured a range of local political views related to the county council’s decision to drop its net zero targets, the BBC said the interview itself lacked the necessary counterweight “at the time”.

“We apologise for these shortcomings, which fell below the standards we aim to maintain,” the broadcaster said in its correction issued on 20 November.

The clarification comes amid increased scrutiny of climate-related reporting, where accuracy, proportionality and clear attribution of expertise are considered essential to avoid misleading audiences.