BBC will make a series of documentaries that examines a century worth of their own scandals. As part of the BBC’s centenary festivities next year, Tim Davie (above), has authorized three parts.
BBC will produce a series of major documentaries that covers a century worth of their own scandals.
As part of next year’s Corporation centenary celebrations, Tim Davie approved this three-parter.
An insider claimed that Mr Davie believed the BBC should ‘drain all the swamps’ in order to continue its existence.
The possible scandals include Martin Bashir’s controversial 1995 interview with Princess Diana, as well the disturbing phone calls that were broadcast live on Radio 2’s The Russell Brand Show in 2008.
Jonathan Ross, comedian and guest on Fawlty Towers Star Andrew Sachs left inappropriate messages on his answerphone. They were directed at Georgina Baillie who is the grandfather of the actor.
Regulator Ofcom later fined the BBC £150,000 over the incident and Brand resigned.
According to an insider, Mr Davie believes the BBC needs to ‘drain’ the swamp if it wants to survive. Martin Bashir’s 1995 controversial interview with Princess Diana (above), is one of the scandals that could be featured.
The Russell Brand Show’s 2008 broadcast of obscenities via phone call will also be featured. Jonathan Ross, comedian (both pictured), and Georgina Baillie (guest) both left inappropriate messages for Andrew Sachs on his answerphone.
Russell Brand made offensive comments about Georgina Baillie on Radio 2 (pictured). Regulator Ofcom later fined the BBC £150,000 over the incident and Brand resigned
Others include how the Corporation handled the Jimmy Savile scandal of sexual abuse and how it dealt with the 2003 row, which preceded the death of Dr David Kelly, a government arms inspector.
Source said that Tim Davie believed owning up past errors was the best way to ensure the BBC’s future.
David Dimbleby has been deemed the ideal man for this job.
The Corporation’s handling the Jimmy Savile sexual assault scandal, and the 2003 row that preceded Dr David Kelly’s suicide as a government weapons inspector are two other topics. (Above: Savile during the 1970s
Davie is particularly mindful of the need for the BBC to be honest about its mistakes – and there have been many of them – so there is an element of self-flagellation to this.
The arrival of Nadine Dories, Culture Secretary, was also an important factor in his decision.
Ms. Dorries is a vocal critic of BBC and has called for its reform.
The Corporation’s spokesperson said that the book would be a historical account of BBC and explore its roles at key moments in political and cultural history, conflicts with government over time, and other public scandals.