Guardian investigation reveals Saudi funding of BBC to polish human rights record

An investigation by The Guardian has revealed a collaboration between the commercial arm of BBC and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to produce media content aimed at enhancing the Kingdom’s global image, as part of broader efforts to whitewash its human rights record and promote superficial reforms, particularly regarding women’s rights.

The investigation shows that BBC Storyworks produced content funded by the Saudi sovereign fund, including films and articles promoting official narratives around “women’s empowerment” and “environmental transformation,” while overlooking the reality of ongoing restrictions on women and the continued targeting and imprisonment of activists for expressing their views.

The report also highlights that the published materials emphasize billions of dollars in “green” investments, despite Saudi Arabia’s continued heavy reliance on oil and the fund’s substantial investments in fossil fuels.

It further examines how the Public Investment Fund uses investments and media production—alongside entertainment and sports—as tools to expand international influence and improve the Kingdom’s image, in what critics describe as a broader reputation-laundering strategy amid widespread human rights abuses.

The investigation also notes that Saudi Arabia is spending billions on cultural and entertainment projects to enhance its global image, while cases of detained activists and individuals punished for social media activity continue.