View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

BBC director general ‘very much hopes’ Panorama Comic Relief probe will go ahead

By Darren Boyle

BBC director general Tony Hall today told a parliamentary committee that a Panorama investigation into Comic Relief should be shown.

The programme is looking at how the high profile charity invests its funds as well as the amount it pays in wages.

Addressing the select committee on Culture, Media and Sport he said: “When you have a programme which is controversial, and right to be controversial, and making big claims and right to be making big claims about things… you shouldn't set a transmission date.

"You should absolutely ensure there's proper time for proper processes to be gone through."

He added: "I very much hope this programme will be transmitted but I don't know yet what the substance of the allegations that are being made are and are they right or wrong?"

Later in his testimony Hall admitted to MPs that the BBC was planning a special anti-bullying hotline for staff.

He said at least one member of staff had left the corporation because of their behaviour and other disciplinary hearings were planned.

Content from our partners
Free journalism awards for journalists under 30: Deadline today
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition

He said: "This helpline is the latest example of what I want to do to make sure we have a workplace where people feel valued, people feel they are not been bullied or harassed, that they want to come into work."

Topics in this article : , , ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network