BBC Chairman apologises for error of judgement: US President threatens legal action

Although Panorama aired the hour-long ‘Trump: A Second Chance?’ episode in October last year, The Telegraph published a report last week (3 Nov) claiming it had seen a leaked internal memo from Michael Prescott, an external advisor who had worked with the broadcaster’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee (EGSC) over a three-year period, where he had raised concerns over the way Trump's speech had been edited. He also expressed concerns over an anti-Israel bias in the coverage of the Gaza war by the BBC Arabic news service, as well as broader issues around the coverage of events in Gaza. Prescott also raised points concerning "Ill-researched" stories on racism and "one-sided" transgender coverage.

BBC Chairman Samir Shah responded to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Monday (10 Nov) with a written letter setting out the BBC's stance on the whirlwind of developments.

In relation to the Panorama edit, Shah said: "There was concern expressed by members of the Committee, as well as Mr Prescott, of the way programme was edited. However, the EGSC also heard from BBC News that the purpose of editing the clip, was to convey the message of the speech made by President Trump so that Panorama's audience could better understand how it had been received by President Trump's supporters and what was happening on the ground at that time. This issue was considered and discussed as part of a wider review of the BBC's US Election coverage, commissioned by the Committee, rather than handled as a specific programme complaint, given it had not attracted significant audience feedback and had been transmitted before the US election, so the point wasn't pursued further at that time. The points raised in the review were relayed to the Panorama team, including the decision making on this edit. With hindsight, it would have been better to take more formal action.

"Since the publication of Mr Prescott's memo, this issue has led to over 500 complaints. These are now being dealt with in the normal way. It has also prompted further reflection by the BBC. The conclusion of that deliberation is that we accept that the way the speech was edited did give the impression of a direct call for violent action. The BBC would like to apologise for that error of judgement."

In other key points from the letter, Shah says:

• The BBC Board “considered Mr Prescott's memo at a meeting on 17 October” and that he has since met with Prescott to discuss next steps.
• That “some of the coverage of Mr Prescott's memo has implied that he has "uncovered" a list of stories and issues that the BBC have sought to "bury". That interpretation is simply not true.” Shah states that he issues raised in the memo are the same issues being considered by the EGSC and the BBC Board.
• That Prescott has “relied upon research commissioned by the EGSC itself to make his points” and that his “memo is his personal account of the meetings at which he was present. It does not present a full picture of the discussions, decisions and actions that were taken.”
• Regarding issues identified with the BBC Arabic service, this had been discussed at length within the EGSC and action had been taken in the form of restructuring the team and appointing a new “Arabic speaking Head of Editorial Quality and Standards” in the World Service, and establishing a new social media research unit “to verify those who appear on the service.”
• Regarding issues identified in long-form journalism in the UK, BBC News has appointed a new Executive Editor of Editorial Quality and Standards “to oversee domestic news output. BBC News will imminently appoint a new Director of News Documentaries and Long Form Journalism who will oversee current affairs output.”
• “On the review of sex and gender identity, the EGSC noted much of the coverage met the BBC's standards of impartiality and accuracy.”
• That going forward, the BBC Board will revisit “each and every item set out in Michael Prescott's note, and take further action where appropriate. We will be transparent about the conclusions we reach and the actions taken.”

In a subsequent interview, Shah said that he "didn't want to lose Tim Davie" and that while mistakes had been made, he rejected the idea that the BBC is systemically bias, or that there was a "systemic bias of anti-Israel". 

Most recently, the BBC confirmed that it has received a letter from President Donald Trump's legal team threatening legal action. It's reported that the lawyers are seeking a retraction from the BBC and would file legal action for no less than $1bn if the corporation does not comply by 14 Nov. The BBC said it would respond in due course.

Response to resignations

On Friday (7 Nov), President Trump’s White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt responded to the Telegraph’s story by accusing the BBC of being “purposefully dishonest” and peddling “total, 100% fake news.”

Trump later welcomed the resignations, posting on Truth Social: “The top people in the BBC, including Tim Davie, the boss, are all quitting/fireds, because they were caught “doctoring” my very good (perfect!) speech of January 6^th.”

Deborah Turness spoke to reporters this morning (10 Nov), saying: “I stepped down over the weekend because the buck stops with me, but I’d like to make one thing very clear. BBC News is not institutionally biased.

“Mistakes were made, but the BBC is not institutionally biased.”

A statement released by Shah at the time of the resignations, said: “This is a sad day for the BBC. Tim has been an outstanding Director-General for the last five years. He has propelled the BBC forward with determination, single-mindedness and foresight.

“He has had the full support of me and the Board throughout. However, I understand the continued pressure on him, personally and professionally, which has led him to take this decision today. The whole Board respects the decision and the reasons for it.

“Tim has given 20 years of his life to the BBC. He is a devoted and inspirational leader and an absolute believer in the BBC and public service broadcasting. He has achieved a great deal. Foremost, under his tenure, the transformation of the BBC to meet the challenges in a world of unprecedented change and competition is well underway.

“Personally, I will miss his stamina, good humour and resilience and I will miss working with him. I wish him and his family the very best for the future.

“This is an important time for the Corporation and the Board and I will continue to work with Tim in the interim while we conduct the process to appoint his successor.”

Davie released a statement to BBC staff, saying: “I wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years. This is entirely my decision, and I remain very thankful to the Chair and Board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days.

“I am working through exact timings with the Board to allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months.

“I have been reflecting on the very intense personal and professional demands of managing this role over many years in these febrile times, combined with the fact that I want to give a successor time to help shape the Charter plans they will be delivering.

“In these increasingly polarised times, the BBC is of unique value and speaks to the very best of us. It helps make the UK a special place; overwhelmingly kind, tolerant and curious. Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable. While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision. Overall the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as Director-General I have to take ultimate responsibility.

“Our organisation is a critical ingredient of a healthy society, as well as a thriving creative sector. We should champion it, not weaponise it.

“Despite a hugely competitive market, I am proud that the BBC remains the most trusted news brand globally. We have continued to ensure that it is used by almost everyone in the UK as well as hundreds of millions of people globally. Despite the inevitable issues and challenges, our journalism and quality content continues to be admired as a gold standard. Our transition to a digital organisation has been deeply impressive, and our thriving commercial businesses are admired globally. Also, our work together on ensuring that we have the right culture has been important and motivating. I could not be more impressed by what you are achieving.

“You will ask why now, why this moment?

“I am BBC through and through, having spent the last 20 years of my life working for this organisation as Director of Marketing, Communications and Audiences, Director of Audio and Music, acting Director-General and Chief Executive of BBC Studios. I care deeply about it and want it to succeed. That is why I want to create the best conditions and space for a new DG to come in and positively shape the next Royal Charter. I hope that as we move forward, a sensible, calm and rational public conversation can take place about the next chapter of the BBC.

“This timing allows a new DG to help shape the next Charter. I believe we are in a strong position to deliver growth.

“Thank you again, it has been a wonderful ride, which I have loved. I count myself very lucky to have served as DG no.17. I will have a proper chance to see many of you before I go but I have been incredibly proud to lead the BBC as DG for over five years. It is a precious UK institution and you are a world-class team. Thank you all for the tireless support and friendship.

“I will always be a passionate cheerleader for civilised society, a strong BBC and a thriving UK.”