Both BBC News and The Washington Post offer in-depth reporting and analysis, but they cater to different geographic focuses and have different subscription models. BBC News provides a free option and has a global focus, while The Washington Post focuses on national and political news with a subscription-based model. User experience is a point of contention for BBC News' website, while The Washington Post emphasizes a positive user experience.
| Attribute | BBC News | The Washington Post |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Stance | Rated Lean Left in April 2024 Blind Bias Survey; AllSides panel determined bias of online news remains Center, with some slight Lean Left bias indicators; regularly accused of bias by both government and opposition. | Lean Left bias, with a shift in February 2025 to support free markets and personal liberty on its opinion pages. |
| Fact-Checking Accuracy | BBC Verify tasked with fact-checking, verifying video, countering disinformation, analysing data; scrutiny of claims was more robust on fact-checking than on TV; BBC's Reality Check. | Uses a rating system based on Pinocchio, assigning up to four Pinocchios to a statement. Aims to find the truth behind statements of political figures. |
| Depth of Coverage | Detailed look into news stories from around the world; features field reporting with breakdowns from regional correspondents and expert guests; generates about 120 hours of radio and television output each day, as well as online news coverage. | Known for in-depth news and analysis of American politics, as well as insightful coverage of national and international trends and events. |
| Geographic Focus | Worldwide; clear winner in the UK and former British colonies. | Published in Washington, D.C., with a national audience. Emphasizes national and political news coverage but also covers regional and local stories. Has local bureaus in Maryland and Virginia and foreign bureaus in various international locations. |
| Reporting Quality | Tries to present a balanced view; separation between news and opinion/editorial content; impartiality is required but faces scrutiny. | Generally regarded as one of the leading daily American newspapers, known for its political reporting and in-depth coverage. Rated as Generally Reliable/Analysis OR Other Issues in terms of reliability. |
| Website User Experience | Improvements in user interface, accessibility, and content organization could enhance user experience; new design adds visual clutter and makes scanning the page more of a struggle; redesign was a disappointment to some users. | Comprehensive 'Web Performance and SEO Best Practices and Guidelines' accessible in its open-source design system to ensure a positive user experience. |
| Subscription Cost | BBC iPlayer: Free; BBC Select: $5.99/month; YouTube TV: $82.99/month | $120 per year (regular rate), promotional rates often available, cheapest annual digital subscription deal is $13 on Black Friday |
| Mobile App Quality | Clear and crisp visuals and well-organized layout; regularly updated and provides the latest information; quick to download and update; reliable and well-laid out. | Available on both iOS and Android platforms. Known for in-depth reporting and easy navigation. |