BBC chair Samir Shah has apologized after a scandal around the editing of speech made by U.S. President Donald Trump in the documentary program “Panorama,” calling it an “error of judgement.”
Shah’s letter to the U.K. culture, media and sport committee follows the shock resignations of director general Tim Davie and CEO of news Deborah Turness on Sunday night. Over the weekend, a leaked memo from former BBC Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee adviser Michael Prescott was published by The Telegraph, suggesting that an October 2024 episode of “Panorama” edited a Trump speech to make it sound like he encouraged the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riots.
“Since the publication of Mr Prescott’s memo, this issue has led to over 500 complaints. These are now being dealt with in the normal way. It has also prompted further reflection by the BBC,” Shah, who as chair is charged with protecting the BBC’s independence, said in the letter (via BBC News). “The conclusion of that deliberation is that we accept that the way the speech was edited did give the impression of a direct call for violent action. The BBC would like to apologize for that error of judgement.”
Shah said that the Trump clip was edited to “convey the message of the speech made by President Trump so that ‘Panorama’s’ audience could better understand how it had been received by President Trump’s supporters and what was happening on the ground at that time.” He said that the issue was discussed during a wider review of the BBC’s U.S. election coverage but was not pursued further as there was not “significant audience feedback” and it had aired prior to the 2024 election. “The points raised in the review were relayed to the ‘Panorama’ team, including the decision making on this edit,” he continued. “With hindsight, it would have been better to take more formal action.”
Prescott’s memo said “Panorama” edited Trump’s speech to be: “We’re gonna walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be with you and we fight. We fight like hell and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not gonna have a country anymore.” Prescott wrote that Trump said the part beginning with “and we fight” 54 minutes after “we’re gonna walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be with you.”
This is far from the BBC’s first controversy this year. The outlet has been under scrutiny for its editorial practices, including its airing of a Gaza documentary that was found to be a “serious breach” of Ofcom’s broadcasting rules and the performance of punk duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury Festival, who chanted “death to the IDF” during their set.
However, Shah said that Prescott’s allegation that the BBC “sought to bury” its problems is “simply not true,” adding that it had taken several steps suggested by the Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee (EGSC). These include publishing corrections after incorrect reporting, making the BBC’s position on issues clearer, changing leadership to address underlying issues and carrying out formal disciplinary measures when needed.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
Going forward, Shah said his “intention is to sharpen and strengthen the process so that EGSC acts speedily, and monitors the actions agreed to ensure implementation.” He added that “the plan is to broaden the agenda to include all BBC output — as all BBC programming, not just its journalism, is bound by editorial guidelines. I will also be changing the composition of the Committee to align better with its changed role and to ensure clearer accountability. This re-engineering of the EGSC will come before the Board in December.”
Shah ended his letter by assuring the committee that he is “absolutely clear that the BBC must champion impartiality.”
“I will personally ensure that the BBC continues to take the necessary actions in the future to ensure the BBC retains the trust and confidence of the public we serve,” he said.
In an interview with the BBC’s Katie Razzall after his letter was published, Shah said that he has been in contact with Trump’s team and is considering personally apologizing to the president. As for if Trump will sue the BBC, Shah said: “I do not know that yet, but he’s a litigious fellow so we should be prepared for all outcomes.” Trump has in fact sent a letter threatening legal action to the BBC, the corporation confirmed.
The BBC has also apologized over the edit, saying that it “gave the impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action. The BBC would like to apologize for that error of judgement.” They added that there was no intention to mislead and the aim was to convey the main message of the speech in a “condensed format.” The BBC also denied that the word “peacefully” was removed from Trump’s speech.
Trump celebrated the news of Davie and Turness’ resignations on Sunday night, calling the organization “corrupt ‘journalists.’”
“These are very dishonest people who tried to step on the scales of a Presidential Election,” Trump wrote. “On top of everything else, they are from a Foreign Country, one that many consider our Number One Ally. What a terrible thing for Democracy!”
Turness was questioned by reporters from her own newsroom outside the BBC headquarters on Monday, rejecting claims that the outlet is institutionally biased.
“I stepped down over the weekend because the buck stops with me. But I’d like to make one thing very clear, BBC News is not institutionally biased. That’s why it’s the world’s most trusted news provider.”
Responding to Trump, Turness said: “Of course our journalists aren’t corrupt. Our journalists are hardworking people who strive for impartiality and I will stand by their journalism.”
It is unclear exactly when Davie and Turness’ departures will go into effect or who will replace them. In the interview with Razzall, Shah made clear that he “did not want to lose” director general Davie and “nor did any member of the board,” adding that they were “upset by the decision.” Shah said his job is now to “ensure a smooth transition.”
From Variety US