The BBC has today published the findings of specially commissioned research into people's attitudes to politics.

The research suggests that many people, particularly aged under 45, are disillusioned with conventional politics and political coverage. Many people also found it difficult to relate politics to their everyday lives, and felt there was no dialogue between themselves and parliament.

Forum Response: BBC

Richard Sambrook, director of BBC News, told ePolitix.com: "Politicians and the media have known for some time that there's a lack of involvement and engagement in politics. The research we publish today illustrates just how serious that problem is.

"It is incumbent on the BBC, as a public service broadcaster, to take a leading role in trying to increase people's engagement in the political process and democratic debate.

"It's no longer a question of waiting for audiences to 'grow into' news. The research shows that people are not beginning to get interested when they reach their 30s and 40s. This demographic wave of disengagement could soon mean political coverage is largely watched by those in their 50s and older.

"While we must tackle this problem, we are very aware of the value of our current coverage, which offers the best analysis and discussion of politics in British broadcasting. That's why our primary focus is on developing fresh, innovative ideas for new programmes to complement what we currently do."