BBC rejects charge of elitist Oxbridge bias in University Challenge

Corporation denies breach of impartiality rules by ‘rigging’ show in favour of Oxford and Cambridge

The BBC has rejected charges of elitism aimed at its University Challenge quiz show and defended allowing separate Oxford and Cambridge colleges to enter the contest while limiting other universities to one entry each.

The long-running quiz show, which will broadcast a quarter-final match on Monday in its 52nd series, typically includes at least 10 entries from Oxbridge colleges, with the remaining 18 places going to other universities.