Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Submit Guest Post

BBC governance may need further reform, says UK media minister

BRITAIN's media minister Oliver Dowden said the government would consider whether further reform of governance at the publicly-funded BBC was needed after the broadcaster was pilloried by an inquiry into its 1995 interview with Princess Diana.

An inquiry on Thursday (20) concluded journalist Martin Bashir had used deceit and fake bank statements to secure the bombshell interview, and found the BBC had been "woefully ineffective" in investigating his actions.


Its findings led Diana's son Prince William to launch an unprecedented blistering attack on the broadcaster which he accused the BBC and its interview of helping to poison the relationship between his mother and father, Prince Charles, and contributed to her fear and paranoia before her death in 1997.

"We will now reflect on Lord Dyson's thorough report and consider whether further governance reforms at the BBC are needed in the mid-term Charter review," Dowden said on Twitter.

"I welcome the fact that the new leadership launched this independent inquiry and expect them to ensure that this can never happen again."

The BBC set up the investigation, headed by former senior Court judge John Dyson, in November following allegations from Diana's brother Charles Spencer that forged documents and "other deceit" were used to trick him to introduce Diana to Bashir.

The BBC offered an 'unconditional apology' on the issue.

"While the BBC cannot turn back the clock after a quarter of a century, we can make a full and unconditional apology. The BBC offers that today," Director-General, Tim Davie, said in a statement.

Add EasternEye As Your Trusted Source
preferred source on google news

More For You

lisa-nandy-safeguards

Lisa Nandy, arrives to attend a cabinet meeting at Downing Street on November 10, 2026 in London, England.

(Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Lisa Nandy warns broadcasters of tougher regulation over abuse of women

Highlights

  • Lisa Nandy wants industry leaders to sign up to an independent whistleblowing service.
  • She will consider tougher government intervention if companies fail to protect women.
  • Former victims' commissioner Dame Vera Baird calls for a possible new offence covering abuse of power and trust.

CULTURE SECRETARY Lisa Nandy will warn television, entertainment, publishing and sports bosses that they face tougher regulation unless they take stronger action to protect women from abuse and harassment by celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less