BBC executives faced a tense hearing in Parliament as MPs pressed them on allegations of “institutional bias,” controversial coverage of Donald Trump, and even the organisation’s now-infamous “kitten naming” episode. The sharpest questioning came over comments by BBC Chair Samir Shah, who said there may have been a “plausible case” for editing Trump’s January 6 speech in the broadcaster’s reporting—an issue that has reignited accusations of unfair treatment of the former US president.
MPs demanded explanations for editorial decisions made during the Capitol riot coverage, asking whether the BBC had applied consistent standards when reporting political speeches. Shah defended the corporation, saying the organisation strives for impartiality but acknowledged that transparency and improved communication with the public remain essential.
Lawmakers also pressed BBC bosses on wider concerns around institutional bias, funding pressures, and trust in national broadcasters. The hearing took an unexpected turn as MPs revisited the viral “kitten naming scandal,” in which a BBC local segment inadvertently sparked a months-long debate about editorial judgment and audience engagement. Executives dismissed it as overblown but admitted the saga highlighted public sensitivity to even light-hearted content.
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