Politicsgovernments & cabinetsScandals and Resignations
Under Siege Again, the BBC Must Fight Back with Fearless Journalism | Roger Mosey
The BBC is once again reeling from a body blow, a position I know well from my time as an executive navigating the fallout of the Hutton report and the Jimmy Savile scandal. The recent resignation of Tim Davie over a misleadingly edited Panorama programme is not just a management failure; it is a critical battle in the relentless culture war targeting Britain's public service broadcaster.Its opponents, having long circled, have now drawn blood, creating a moment of extreme peril. Yet, the only viable response for an institution under such attack is to get back up and fight with greater conviction.In today's fractured media environment, where digital misinformation runs rampant and foreign tech giants shape public discourse, the argument for a strong, British-produced source of news is more powerful than ever. The core tenets of honest journalism—accuracy, impartiality, and truth—may seem old-fashioned to some, but they are the foundation of public trust.Despite constant political assaults and its own missteps, the BBC repeatedly ranks as the nation's most trusted news source in Ofcom surveys, proving its enduring worth. It is precisely this universality—its reach into every corner of the United Kingdom—that fuels such intense opposition.This crisis is not just a threat; it is a strategic opportunity to reaffirm the journalistic principles that have always been the corporation's greatest strength. We should look to the BBC's history for inspiration: its brave, independent reporting during the Suez Crisis in the face of government fury, or its steadfast coverage of The Troubles in Northern Ireland.The way forward is to double down on investigative rigor, ensure transparent editorial processes, and create programming that truly reflects the diverse nations of the UK. Like Britain in its darkest hours, the BBC's finest achievements have often been forged in its most severe trials. This latest knockdown could, paradoxically, fortify its resolve to serve its essential democratic role.
#BBC
#journalism
#media ethics
#resignation
#Panorama
#featured
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