BBC expected to apologise for doctoring Trump videos

Galaxy

It is beautifully illustrating the problem.

What is illustrating what problem?

It is beautifully illustrating the problem.

We simply do not see how staff can have faith in the BBC's leadership while a crucial position on the board is filled by someone perceived to be by many staff and external commentators as being sympathetic to, or actively part of a campaign to undermine the BBC and influence its political impartiality.

I take exception to this. It is the BBC which has undermined its reputation for impartiality, not Sir Robbie Gibb. The report written by Michael Prescott has raised the issue of the lack of impartiality in the presentation of some news items, and in particular the altering of the sequence of Donald Trump's speech. The failure to address this has brought the BBC into disrepute and laid it open to litigation.

I agree MaizieD- time to remove political patronage from the government of the day.

GrannyGravy13

Maybe it’s time for the BBC main appointments not to be political.

Could be difficult as we all have political allegiances which determine our decisions.

I think it's definitely time. It gives too much patronage to PMs.

Maybe it’s time for the BBC main appointments not to be political.

Could be difficult as we all have political allegiances which determine our decisions.

Yes I do agree. It is clear that a Gibb has been far too meddling with his own agenda.

Galaxy Thu 13-Nov-25 12:07:32
"These are some of the appointments made at the BBC in the past.
Gavyn Davies - labour donor and advisor - chaired BBC board of governors
Greg Dyke - labour donor - became director general
Michael lyons - ex labour council leader - chaired BBC trust
James Purnell - ex labour mp became director of strategy and digital at the BBC.
There have always been high level appointments at the BBC that have a particular political viewpoint, that is in my view absolutely fine. However if it isn't fine for Gibb it can't be fine for the rest of them".

Thanks for this post Galaxy- helpful and particularly topical today in light of Lisa Nandy's announcement. MPs and other have called for Gibb's removal from the BBC board and the biggest union in the bBC has written to Nandy "We simply do not see how staff can have faith in the BBC's leadership while a crucial position on the board is filled by someone perceived to be by many staff and external commentators as being sympathetic to, or actively part of a campaign to undermine the BBC and influence its political impartiality".

The BBC roles of Gavyn Davies (resigned 2004, Get Dyke, left 2004, Michael Lyons became Chair 2007, were appointed when Labour was in government. Since the Conservatives came into power in May 2010, up until July 2024, all BBC board appointments after these three individuals, were made under the Conservative government's political involvement, as set out in the BBC Charter. James Parnell was appointed under a Conservative government, but was told he needed to resign his Labour membership on appointment. The Telegraph described Parnell's BBC role "as a key facet to attract younger listeners and viewers to the bBC" - he did not have a board role.

One thing we all seem to agree on is that the BBC, as an independent broadcaster, should be editorially and politically impartial and not politically biased. Nandy said today, when asked about GIBB, that the review of the BBC's charter will examine such political appointments as they have "damaged confidence and trust in the BBC's impartiality".

I think this is a positive step- do others agree?"

I am another GN, fancy, who believes that Trump's standard of behaviour is very low.

Likewise

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

Glad to hear that … made my day! Iam64.

Casdon - I’m with you in often being unable to understand ronib’s point

I’m entertained by your support from AMW and Mr Trump rather than the bbc ronib 🙈

ronib

The events surrounding one Andrew MW were allegedly 21 years ago and yet every detail is being revealed and played out as if happened yesterday.
So 5 years ago seems to be a bit better than 21 years ago? Also the concept of apparent universal agreement does seem to be quite a quirky thing. And as you so rightly say MaizieDyou are indifferent…. As indeed you should be! I am too.

I sometimes have no idea what you mean ronib. Contemporaneous records don’t date.

Oreo

I think he’ll be satisfied with an apology in the end, which he’s entitled to.
Wyllow3 You’re trying ever so hard to brush things under the carpet, you’re not Mrs Davie by any chance?🤔
It wasn’t trivial and it wasn’t a mistake and there are other issues of bias.
Yes it’s good that the top twosome have resigned as they have overall responsibility for the corporation but the new Heads have to make sure there are changes.

I agree it wasnt trivial or a mistake

The events surrounding one Andrew MW were allegedly 21 years ago and yet every detail is being revealed and played out as if happened yesterday.
So 5 years ago seems to be a bit better than 21 years ago? Also the concept of apparent universal agreement does seem to be quite a quirky thing. And as you so rightly say MaizieDyou are indifferent…. As indeed you should be! I am too.

ronib

Another irony - the UK isn’t . 2025

As the programme under discussion wasn't 'news', but about an episode that was very big news nearly 5 years ago and there was, at the time, apparent universal agreement as to Trump's intentions at the time I completely fail to see how there was any 'fake news' involved.

I would add that I am completely indifferent to Gnetters' opinions of my stance on the whole episode.

No Elegran but shall have a look.

ronib

Trump’s whining away has been necessary to keep the BBC in check. Trump has truly helped this country have some semblance of researched, accurate and impartial news. So this is what it takes for the UK to regulate itself? We should be ashamed.

Trump? Researched, accurate and impartial news? Have you read his Truth Social posts?

Oreo

I don’t think he’s bothered about the money as long as he gets the apology.

I'd rather pay compensation than he got a Blue Peter badge as has been suggested!

Really demeaning to all those who have Blue Peter badges 😡

The BBC's century of credibility has been thrown out of the window. Having said that just how much credibility has Donald Trump got?

And he needs to pull off a big trick to deflect from Jeffrey Epstein's shadow hanging over him.

Speak for yourself ronib, I certainly am - and I think most other people are too.

Another irony - the UK isn’t . 2025

fancythat

^Well as long as there are those here who really think A Terrible Sin was committed:^

And now there are two of you on GN, whose standards of what you think is acceptable behaviour in life, is very low.

Demeaning another poster. Not acceptable. I don't report but you should apologise.

The irony of 2025. Trump is bothered by fake news.