BBC science shows 'give voice to ill-informed'

The BBC's attempt to produce balanced coverage of science is giving "free publicity to marginal opinions", according to a prominent scientist.

Geneticist Professor Steve Jones was asked by the BBC Trust to study its coverage over two separate periods in 2009 and 2010.

His findings, published in a report by the trust today, have prompted the BBC to announce it will appoint a science editor. Professor Jones said the BBC presented "the views of tiny and unqualified minorities as if they have the same weight as the scientific consensus".

He highlighted issues including global warming and the belief the use of the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella could lead to autism.

He said the BBC gave exposure to "ill-informed campaigns" during the furore over MMR and criticised it for giving the former chancellor and global warming sceptic Lord Lawson "space...to make statements that are not supported by the facts".

Professor Jones added: "Equality of voice calls for a match of scientists not with politicians or activists, but with those qualified to take a knowledgeable, albeit perhaps divergent, view of research."

Trust chairman Lord Patten welcomed the "comprehensive report" and said: "There are some issues which will inevitably attract controversy, and reflecting scientific debate while making output accessible and appealing to audiences is a difficult balancing act."