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Posted on 01/29/2004 9:17:14 AM PST by Pikamax
BBC apologises to Blair
John Plunkett Thursday January 29, 2004
The BBC has offered an unreserved apology to the government over the way it handled its complaint about the Andrew Gilligan story, which Tony Blair immediately accepted, adding the government could now "draw a line" under the whole episode.
The BBC acting chairman, Lord Ryder, issued the statement on behalf of the board of governors, which also confirmed the appointment of Greg Dyke's recently appointed deputy, Mark Byford, as acting director general.
Lord Ryder said the Hutton report had highlighted "serious defects in the corporation's processes".
"On behalf of the BBC I have no hesitation in apologising unreservedly for our errors and to the individuals whose reputations were affected by them," he said.
The sentiments were echoed by Mr Byford in another televised statement, in which he said he was "shocked and saddened" by Mr Dyke's departure as director general.
"I recognise it is now my task as acting director general to lead the organisation through what is a very turbulent period. We must now study the Hutton report carefully, learn appropriate lessons and implement relevant measures. The BBC must provide high quality, independent, impartial journalism, recognised for its accuracy, fairness and objectivity," he said.
The unreserved apology offered by the BBC's interim chairman and director general came in stark contrast to yesterday's statement by Mr Dyke, in which he said he had always felt Gilligan got the "broad thrust" of his report right.
Both Mr Byford and Lord Ryder will be hoping today's apology will satisfy the BBC's critics and in particular the prime minister, whose spokesman today called for the BBC to "apologise for broadcasting a false allegation which was unfounded".
Mr Blair immediately welcomed the BBC's apology, saying: "This for me has always been a very simple matter of an accusation that was a very serious one that was made. It has now been withdrawn, that is all I ever wanted."
He added: "I want to make it absolutely clear I fully respect the independence of the BBC.
"I have no doubt that the BBC will continue, as it should do, to probe and question the government in every proper way. What this does now is allow us to draw a line and move on."
In his statement, Lord Ryder said he would not be putting his name forward for the position on a full-time basis. He said both Mr Davies and Mr Dyke would be "greatly missed by the board of governors, the executive committee and the management and staff with whom they worked".
"Both will be greatly missed by the board of governors, the executive committee and the management and staff with whom they worked," he said.
"The manner of their departures demonstrates the integrity of both men. The whole corporation owes them a debt of thanks and they deserve enormous credit for their dedication and contributions to the BBC over the last few years."
Mr Byford said he hoped the BBC would "emerge from this difficult time as a strong, independent, and vibrant organisation which would build on Mr Dyke's legacy".
He said the BBC must restore its reputation for "trusted, reliable and authoritative news, intelligent discussion and debate and for courageous investigative journalism set within a rigorous robust editorial framework".
"Creativity is the heart of the organisation and we must strive to promote high quality, innovation and ambition in all we do, serving audiences as a beacon of public service broadcasting," he added.
"I believe passionately in the values of the BBC and its role. As acting director general I will lead it to the very best of my ability together with an outstanding team of colleagues. My executive committee team also want to put on record their affection for Greg and their great admiration for all he has achieved as director general. They, too, are very sad to see him go but understand and accept his decision.
"As an executive, we are now united in looking forward to working with the board of governors to ensure the BBC emerges from this difficult time a strong, independent and vibrant organisation, building on the legacy Greg has left behind."
All your apology are belong to us!
:)
"On behalf of the New York Times I have no hesitation in apologising unreservedly for our errors and to the individuals whose reputations were affected by them," he said. ---not!
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