Truly Corrupt!

BBC The Archers blasted over 'biased' coverage of farmer protests.

BBC radio soap opera The Archers has riled up listeners who accused the channel of spreading "state propaganda" and bias" about the farmers' protests.

By Chloe Govan

BBC's The Archers has attracted controversy for its handling of plot lines (Image: BBC)

BBC's The Archers is the longest-running present-day drama, with more than 20,000 episodes airing over almost 75 years.

However, a recent installment of the soap angered some fans, who claimed it was glossing over issues like Labour's recently introduced inheritance tax fee for farmers with land worth over £1 million. One disgruntled fan pointed out that it portrayed rural characters as being comfortable with the tax hikes, and that it then swiftly changed the subject.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the listener wrote: "BBC rural radio soap opera The Archers covers the recent mass farmers protest: 'There's a lot of anger about this new inheritance tax on farms,' admits David.

"'But we need those taxes to pay for things like the NHS,' says Leonard. And with that, the entire subject is covered."

Sharing the annoyance, someone replied in the comments section: "The BBC seems to have taken on the job of introducing State propaganda via bad *soaps*. Presumably all would-be writers have to submit potential scripts to the Ministry of Creativity for approval."