View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

Ex-BBC chief to face MPs again within weeks over ‘misleading’ DMI evidence

By Gavriel Hollander

Former BBC director general Mark Thompson will face MPs again as early as next month after he was accused of misleading a Commons committee.

Earlier this week, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said that Thompson’s 2011 evidence on the progress of the Digital Media Initiative “just wasn’t true”.

He has been recalled to a further hearing that is now likely to take place within weeks.

During his 2011 appearance, Thompson said that DMI, which was designed to digitise huge swathes BBC content, was on track to be rolled out in some parts of the country.

He has said the information was provided “in good faith” based on reports from executives.

Thompson was director general at the BBC from 2004 until he decided to step down last year. He is currently chief executive of the New York Times Company.

On Monday, PAC took evidence from senior BBC figures over the scrapping of the scheme, which cost licence fee payers almost £100 million.

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

BBC trustee Anthony Fry told MPs that the failure of the project “is the most embarrassing thing I have ever seen”.

Fry added that there had been a feeling that the BBC “could walk on water” following praise for its Olympics coverage and the launch of iPlayer.

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 Progressive Media Investments 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