BBC Staff Revolt Over Political Appointments
BBC staff have openly challenged the position of board member Robbie Gibb, who was appointed during Boris Johnson's premiership, during a meeting with outgoing director general Tim Davie. The confrontation comes amid growing internal discontent over political figures occupying key roles within the corporation's governance structure.
Government Launches Impartiality Investigation
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has confirmed that the upcoming BBC charter review will specifically examine political appointments to the broadcaster's board. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Nandy stated she shares concerns that such appointments have "damaged confidence and trust in the BBC's impartiality." The charter review will set the terms for the BBC's operation over the next decade, with the government preparing to initiate the process imminently.
Fallout From Bias Allegations Intensifies
The controversy surrounding Gibb's position escalated following the leak of a memo from Michael Prescott, a former independent external adviser to the BBC's editorial guidelines and standards committee. Prescott's document, leaked to the Daily Telegraph, contained multiple allegations of institutional bias, including criticism of how Panorama edited footage of a Donald Trump speech. The edited clip suggested Trump told supporters: "We're going to walk down to the Capitol and I'll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell" - though these words were taken from sections of his speech almost an hour apart.
The BBC has since apologised to Trump over the editing, though the corporation rejected his demands for compensation and his threat of a $1bn (£760m) legal action. The broadcaster has also agreed not to show the edition of Panorama again.
Concerns have mounted about Gibb's potential role in promoting Prescott's claims and in Prescott originally being awarded his advisory position. Both Gibb and Prescott have now been summoned to give evidence to the Commons culture, media and sport committee.
The situation has prompted calls from multiple MPs and BBC staff members for Gibb's removal from the corporation's board. During the online meeting with staff, several participants argued that Gibb and all political appointees should be removed from the organisation. The internal unrest occurred as Tim Davie criticised what he described as the "weaponisation" of criticisms directed at the broadcaster.
The departures of Davie and BBC News head Deborah Turness over the weekend followed the bias allegations contained in Prescott's memo, which also made broader claims about liberal bias on issues including trans rights and coverage of Gaza.
