The Media Show How do we fix the BBC?
8 snips
Nov 12, 2025 Join industry experts John Shield, former BBC communications chief; Jamie Angus, ex-World Service director; Tim Montgomerie, a journalist and conservative commentator; and Jane Martinson, a Guardian columnist, as they dissect the BBC's recent crisis. They explore governance failures and the implications of a misleading Panorama edit on Trump. The discussion reveals deeper issues of board structure, political bias, and the urgent need for reform. With insights on global perceptions and crisis management, they highlight why the BBC remains a vital source of impartial news.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Memo Sparked Leadership Crisis
- A leaked advisory memo about Panorama and other issues triggered a leadership crisis at the BBC.
- The memo exposed concerns on editing, impartiality and alleged institutional groupthink that escalated rapidly.
Get Ahead Of Damaging Claims Quickly
- When faced with damaging claims, act fast: acknowledge clear errors, explain remedial steps, and contest what you can factually.
- Delay and internal disagreement let others define the narrative and worsen reputational damage.
Defensiveness Deepened The Crisis
- Defensive culture and a 'siege mentality' inside the BBC slowed acceptance of mistakes.
- That defensiveness prolonged resolution and amplified the political fallout.