THERE are moments when an institution’s mask slips so completely that it can never truly be put back on. Former BBC journalist Andy Webb’s scorching book Dianarama, published last week, is such a moment for the BBC. On top of the unfolding and escalating scandal about the Prescott dossier, which concludes that the BBC Board (and its predecessors, the Trustees and …
Dr Campbell Campbell-Jack: Surprise, surprise! Next BBC Religion Editor is yet another Muslim
This post by Dr Campbell Campbell-Jack originally appeared on The Conservative Woman WHAT would any outside observer think of a company which after a ‘competitive recruitment process’ continually appointed individuals from the same socio/cultural/religious grouping? Is it possible to conclude that the company had an agenda? The BBC, after a long delay which caused a former World Service religious affairs correspondent …
Craig Byers: “BBC Hit By New Bashir Shame”
“The BBC has a really grim bit of reading in The Mail on Sunday. This is another Martin Bashir-related story. Goes on for pages and pages and it is tough stuff for BBC people to read”, said Andrew Marr this morning. He didn’t elaborate, or mention the story again. This morning’s BBC News Channel paper review also merely mentioned it, …
Bashir wasn’t the first BBC royal interview scandal
DIGGING into the Martin Bashir affair for TCW has reminded me of another huge scandal about BBC integrity in 1985 in which I was centrally involved. It showed that then, as ten years later, nothing would stop senior BBC management from flagrantly breaking editorial guidelines if these got in their way. On that occasion it cost them a rumoured £750,000 in civil damages, equivalent …
Hall and Birt deny responsibility for Bashir fiasco
THE Lord Dyson report established that the BBC acted appallingly in its handling in 1995 of the interview of Princess Diana. Prince William reacted by stating that it showed his mother had been ‘deceived’ and asserted that ‘the ripple effect of (the BBC’s) culture of exploitation and unethical practices ultimately took her life’. He also said: ‘She was failed not …