Menu
19/12/2012
BBC Newsnight Inquiry Finds 'Flawed' Decision Over Savile Crisis
An inquiry into BBC's Newsnight's decision to drop a programme in relation to alleged sexual abuse by Jimmy Savile finds that the judgement was flawed.
The inquiry, which was carried out by Sky's former Head of news, Nick Pollard, said shelving the report had put the BBC into "chaos and confusion".
The report found: "The decision to drop the original investigation was flawed and the way it was taken was wrong but I believe it was done in good faith. It was not done to protect the Savile tribute programmes or for any improper reason."
Deputy director of BBC News Stephen Mitchell has resigned from his position as a result of the fallout from the Newsnight problems.
Acting director-general Tim Davie said he had accepted Mr Mitchell's resignation with "great sadness".
Another review by the BBC Trust, also released today, concluded that airing a Newsnight report that led to Lord McAlpine being wrongly named as a paedophile was a failure by members of the team to follow the BBC's own editorial guidelines.
The Polland review concluded that the BBC does not need to be taken apart "brick by brick" but warns that the director-general's role as editor-in-chief must now be examined.
(CD)
The inquiry, which was carried out by Sky's former Head of news, Nick Pollard, said shelving the report had put the BBC into "chaos and confusion".
The report found: "The decision to drop the original investigation was flawed and the way it was taken was wrong but I believe it was done in good faith. It was not done to protect the Savile tribute programmes or for any improper reason."
Deputy director of BBC News Stephen Mitchell has resigned from his position as a result of the fallout from the Newsnight problems.
Acting director-general Tim Davie said he had accepted Mr Mitchell's resignation with "great sadness".
Another review by the BBC Trust, also released today, concluded that airing a Newsnight report that led to Lord McAlpine being wrongly named as a paedophile was a failure by members of the team to follow the BBC's own editorial guidelines.
The Polland review concluded that the BBC does not need to be taken apart "brick by brick" but warns that the director-general's role as editor-in-chief must now be examined.
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 October 2012
Newsnight Producer Warned Of Savile Cover Up Accusations
The BBC was at risk of being accused of a cover-up, a producer tried to warn the editor of the dropped Newsnight investigation in the Jimmy Savile investigation. Meirion Jones told the Panorama programme looking into the Savile scandal that he had emailed Newsnight editor Peter Rippon on 7 December 2011.
Newsnight Producer Warned Of Savile Cover Up Accusations
The BBC was at risk of being accused of a cover-up, a producer tried to warn the editor of the dropped Newsnight investigation in the Jimmy Savile investigation. Meirion Jones told the Panorama programme looking into the Savile scandal that he had emailed Newsnight editor Peter Rippon on 7 December 2011.
27 November 2003
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
Bectu issues slams sale of BBC Technology
The BBC are to sell their wholly-owned commercial subsidiary BBC Technology, subject to final approval by DCMS Secretary of State Tessa Jowell.
29 April 2004
More peak time arts, current affairs and documentaries, say BBC
The BBC has promised to air more arts, current affairs and documentaries during peak time viewing. Publishing the Corporation's 'Statements of Programme Policy for 2004/2005' the BBC has underscored a commitment to reduce 'make-over' drama programmes.
More peak time arts, current affairs and documentaries, say BBC
The BBC has promised to air more arts, current affairs and documentaries during peak time viewing. Publishing the Corporation's 'Statements of Programme Policy for 2004/2005' the BBC has underscored a commitment to reduce 'make-over' drama programmes.
15 November 2012
BBC To Reach Settlement With Lord McAlpine
Tory peer Lord McAlpine has spoken of his anger after a BBC Newsnight report led to him being wrongly implicated in child abuse allegations. The former Conservative party treasurer told BBC Radio 4's The World at One he should have been contacted beforehand.
BBC To Reach Settlement With Lord McAlpine
Tory peer Lord McAlpine has spoken of his anger after a BBC Newsnight report led to him being wrongly implicated in child abuse allegations. The former Conservative party treasurer told BBC Radio 4's The World at One he should have been contacted beforehand.
13 November 2012
Disciplinary Actions Begins At BBC
Disciplinary measures have begun against some of those involved in the decision at the BBC to run a Newsnight report on care homes in north Wales. The broadcast led to former Tory treasurer Lord McAlpine being wrongly implicated in child abuse allegations.
Disciplinary Actions Begins At BBC
Disciplinary measures have begun against some of those involved in the decision at the BBC to run a Newsnight report on care homes in north Wales. The broadcast led to former Tory treasurer Lord McAlpine being wrongly implicated in child abuse allegations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
