BBC Chair Samir Shah admitted to editorial failings following the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness, UK Culture Minister Lisa Nandy told Parliament on November 11.
Nandy emphasized the BBC’s responsibility to uphold high standards as the national broadcaster faces criticism over bias, after a controversial Panorama documentary on Donald Trump sparked legal threats from the U.S. president.
00:00I will publish a green paper and launch a public consultation shortly, and I will set out more detail to the House.
00:05The House will know that yesterday the Chair of the BBC, Samir Shah, wrote to the Culture, Media and Sports Select Committee.
00:12He accepted there had been editorial failings and committed to a number of steps in response.
00:17Dr Shah believes that our national broadcaster, which remains one of the most trusted sources of news in our country,
00:24has a responsibility to uphold the highest standards.
00:28I agree. Over the past week, I have been in regular contact with him and his team to ensure that where these standards have not been met,
00:37firm, swift and transparent action follows.
00:41I welcome the steps that have already been set out, and I will keep the House updated as the BBC leadership grips these issues.
00:48Madam Deputy Speaker, whatever the case with Donald Trump, who has...
00:53The concerns that have been raised are serious in and of themselves.
00:56But some in this House have gone even further, suggesting that the BBC is institutionally biased.
01:04It should not be lost on us that the BBC has faced criticism from all sides for its coverage of highly contentious and contested issues.
01:13There is a fundamental difference between raising serious concerns over editorial failings and members of this House launching a sustained attack on the institution itself.
01:30Spokesperson, Anna Sabine.
01:32At a time when the lines are being dangerously blurred between fact and opinion, news and polemic, the BBC stands apart.
01:44It is a light on the hill for people here and across the world.
01:49Trusted news and high-quality programming is essential to our democratic and cultural life.
01:54The Honourable Lady, it's difficult to hear her over the noise, but...
01:58The BBC is facing challenges, some of its own making, but it is doing so in the context of a revolution in the media landscape
02:06that has challenged all broadcasters and polarised and fragmented our national debates.
02:12It is time to grip this with a clarity of vision and purpose that secures the BBC's future.
02:18My right honourable friend, for her leadership on this, and wholeheartedly welcome her words that...
02:25As we write the next chapter of an institution that has stood at the centre of British public life for a century,
02:32our overarching goal is simple.
02:35To ensure the BBC can renew its mission for the modern age and continue to inform, educate and entertain,
02:42not just for the coming decade, but well into the next century.
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