The BBC has revealed plans for its ‘biggest, most significant push’ to ensure that its content is fair and accurate. Warning stars warn them again that they could be fired for tweeting ‘impartial’.
It is in response to the publication on Friday of the Serota Review into governance & culture at the broadcaster. This review included a number recommendations on improving editorial standards.
Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, led the review. It stated that the organization ‘needs more to embed editorial value into the fabric’.
It stated that “a lot of people we interviewed felt that individuals, especially high-profile and senior staff, haven’t always been held accountable for violating editorial standards”.
The report stated: “It is a requirement and a contractual obligation to work for the BBC to adhere the BBC’s editorial values, Editorial Guidelines, across every BBC output.
This will be reiterated to all staff. It will make it clear that any deliberate or negligent breaches of serious nature or attempts to hide them will result in disciplinary actions or dismissal, regardless if seniority, profile, or role.
‘It is crucial that the BBC ensures that strongly held beliefs (including those held by BBC staff) do not conflict with its duties for impartiality, accuracy, and fairness.
Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, led the review and offered some advice.
The Serota Review commissioned by the BBC board following Lord Dyson’s scathing report into the circumstances surrounding Martin Bashir’s 1995 Panorama interview
Although some BBC stars have been criticised for their Tweeting, Gary Lineker was not the only one. Many freelance workers may also be subject to criticism.
Sir Nicholas said in a statement, “There is no doubt that the BBC is a very distinct place from that of 25 years ago, and, thankfully progress has been made.”
“But, there is an opportunity for BBC leadership to go further and ensure that accuracy and fairness are more deeply embedded throughout the organisation.
“The BBC should and can be held accountable for these core values and standards.
“This can only happen if there is more transparency and openness both internally and externally.
“We have every confidence that the BBC leadership understands this as well as the very real need for these improvements on behalf audience members.
Some BBC stars, including Gary Lineker, have been previously criticized on social media
The BBC board ordered the review after Lord Dyson’s damning report about Martin Bashir and Diana, Princess of Wales’ 1995 Panorama interview.
The Serota review made 10 recommendations to BBC that included the extension of impartiality training across the organisation.
It also recommends that the BBC’s board monitor impartiality through metrics, including editorial complaints.
The broadcaster stated in a statement that it had accepted the findings of the review and announced’sweeping changes’ to raise standards within the organization and challenge bias claims.
Acceptance of the recommendations’represents BBC’s biggest push to ensure its programmes, content and accuracy are fair and accurate and unbiased and truly represent the broad public it serves’.
Richard Sharp, chairman of the BBC, stated that a BBC that is above reproach in terms of impartiality, standards and transparency is what we need.
“The Serota Review makes clear recommendations for the board across all these areas. These will be implemented.
“We accept the entire report.”
Director-general of BBC Tim Davie said: “The BBC’s editorial values, impartiality and accuracy, are the foundation of our relationship to audiences in the UK and across the globe.
“Our audiences expect and deserve content that earns their trust every day. We must set the highest standards for ourselves and hold ourselves responsible for all we do.
“The changes we have made will not only help us learn from the past, but also ensure that we preserve these essential values for our future.
Nadine Dorries was the Culture Secretary at the time. She criticised the BBC’s ‘elitist’ approach and said that the broadcaster had a ‘lackof impartiality’.
She wondered if the broadcaster would still exist in 10 years, given the competition from new players like Netflix.