BBC Presenters Accuse Critics of Political Campaign to 'Destroy' Corporation
The controversy surrounding BBC impartiality has intensified dramatically after two of the broadcaster's most prominent presenters claimed that criticism of its coverage forms part of a political campaign designed to 'destroy' the Corporation.
Nick Robinson's comments, which veteran reporter John Simpson later endorsed as 'exactly right', received swift condemnation from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who described them as 'ridiculous' and 'arrogant'. The exchange follows Mr Johnson's pledge to withhold his television licence fee over concerns about BBC impartiality.
Panorama Editing Scandal Sparks Widespread Criticism
The dispute centres on a Panorama programme that allegedly doctored a Donald Trump speech, showing the former US President apparently inciting crowds before the Washington riots on January 6, 2021, while omitting his call for supporters to 'peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard'.
In his weekly Daily Mail column, Mr Johnson declared he would stop paying the licence fee until BBC director-general Tim Davie 'came clean' about why the programme 'completely misled' viewers. The former Prime Minister's comments prompted yesterday's outburst from BBC presenters.
During Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Robinson acknowledged 'a genuine concern about editorial standards and mistakes' at the national broadcaster but insisted: 'There is also a political campaign by people who want to destroy the organisation that you are currently listening to. Both things are happening at the same time.'
Political Backlash and Internal Unrest
Mr Johnson hit back forcefully, telling The Mail on Sunday: 'There is a difference between trying to destroy the BBC and trying to hold it to account. This is just a diversionary tactic from an organisation that is too arrogant to think it might be at fault.'
The corporation's fourth-highest-paid presenter, earning £410,000 annually, returned to the subject later in the programme, raising concerns that Right-wing politicians could 'actually bring this organisation down' during a discussion with political commentator Tim Montgomerie.
The row emerges as Mr Davie faces mounting pressure to address a comprehensive dossier outlining multiple instances of BBC bias, covering topics including transgender issues and the war in Gaza. The report by Michael Prescott – a former adviser to the Corporation's editorial watchdog – accuses the director-general of 'inaction' over the Trump case.
Critics claim Mr Davie has effectively 'gone into hiding' regarding the issue, while sources reveal serious concerns within the BBC about potential consequences including being banned from the White House and facing a major lawsuit from Donald Trump that would prove 'very costly and hard to defend'.
Mr Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the BBC as '100 per cent fake news' and a 'propaganda machine' following the revelations, stating: 'This purposefully dishonest, selectively edited clip by the BBC is further evidence that they are total, 100 per cent fake news.'
Internal Revolt and Leadership Crisis
The controversy extends beyond the Trump editing scandal, with BBC staff reportedly in revolt after the Corporation's internal watchdogs censured newsreader Martine Croxall for correcting the phrase 'pregnant people' to 'women' during a live broadcast.
The Executive Complaints Unit ruled last Thursday that she breached impartiality rules by raising her eyebrow when altering the autocue wording.
Sources indicate that concerns about the Trump report were first raised internally at the BBC in May and discussed at a board meeting ten days before the story broke publicly last week. One source revealed: 'This shows that inside the BBC there was clear knowledge at the highest level of what a serious issue this was. It wasn't just left to individual programme managers, it was discussed in detail by the board. But they chose to sit on it, and turn a deaf ear to the whole thing. It was basically a cover-up.'
The same source expressed grave concerns about the Corporation's future: 'There are some people within the Corporation who fear this could mark the end for the BBC. They have been caught blatantly distorting the truth over an issue of huge international importance. This crisis is having major diplomatic ramifications. It's impossible to overstate how damaging this is.'
Lord Grade, chairman of broadcasting regulator Ofcom, has written to BBC chairman Samir Shah urging him to take Mr Prescott's concerns seriously.
The BBC has confirmed that Mr Shah will provide a full response to the dossier to Parliament's culture, media and sport committee tomorrow, as demanded by committee members. However, reports indicate his response will include an apology for the misleading editing of the Trump speech.
Danny Cohen, the BBC's former director of television, criticised Mr Robinson's remarks, stating: 'There is no political campaign to destroy the BBC. This is a conspiracy theory being briefed by the BBC to divert attention from the serious journalistic failings that Michael Prescott's whistleblower report has revealed.'
Mr Cohen added: 'This should be a moment when BBC journalists look inwards and do some serious soul-searching about the fall in editorial standards that the BBC is experiencing. Instead they are focused on attacking those who wish to hold the BBC to account.'
He concluded with a stark warning about leadership: 'Tim Davie and Samir Shah have known for at least six months that Panorama faked a Trump speech but they remained silent and did nothing about it. This smacks of a shocking cover-up and I do believe their positions are now untenable.'
Tory chairman Nigel Huddleston described the situation as 'a tsunami of allegations about BBC bias on multiple fronts', noting that 'this is not just the traditional political disagreement. It's not about Left versus Right but much wider.'
He issued a direct warning to the Corporation: 'I would warn the BBC not to pick a fight with its licence payers. You don't bite the hand that feeds you. If the BBC can't restore trust and abide by its own rules and editorial guidelines then the whole justification for its charter and the licence fee disappears.'
Independent peer Lord Austin emphasised the seriousness of the situation: 'It does not matter whether you support President Trump or not, this is a huge scandal because it shows BBC bosses cannot be trusted to uphold the values of impartiality and honesty which is why it is funded by the public.'
Mr Johnson concluded: 'I love the BBC. I just think they were trying to get away without trying to explain or justify their patent Left-wing bias. We need to hear from the director-general – and pronto.'
Mr Robinson declined to comment when approached last night, while Michael Prescott is scheduled to give evidence to the parliamentary committee later this week as the crisis continues to unfold.
