Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
05/10/2007

Fincham Exits As BBC One Controller

BBC One Controller Peter Fincham has resigned from his post following the publication of the Wyatt report into the documentary trailer that appeared to show the Queen leaving a photo session in a huff.
Former Executive Will Wyatt's report noted that the incident had been the result of "misjudgements, poor practice, and ineffective systems."
RDF Media's Chief Executive Stephen Lambert has also stepped down over the debacle.
The Wyatt inquiry was commissioned by Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General, in July 2007 following the publication by the BBC at a press launch for the BBC One Autumn season of misleading footage relating to the Queen.
The report has been shared with the Chairman of the Trust and the Chairman of the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee and they have been briefed on the actions which the Director-General is announcing today.
Thompson said: "I would like to thank Will Wyatt for a thorough investigation and report. I accept his findings and recommendations in full. It is important that the BBC learns all the lessons from this matter and takes steps to ensure that nothing of this kind is repeated.
"Although I take some comfort from Will Wyatt's conclusion that no-one consciously set out to defame or misrepresent the Queen in respect of the BBC's preparation for the BBC One launch, the fact is that serious mistakes were made which put misleading information about the Queen into the public domain. That is why we are determined to take all necessary steps to address the shortcomings set out in this report.
"When this matter first came to light we unreservedly apologised to Her Majesty the Queen. I repeat that apology again today without hesitation."
The BBC is to take a range of further measures in response to the recent editorial standards issues: a senior executive with specific responsibility for leading on editorial standards and compliance across their output will be appointed; and the weaknesses of communication and co-ordination with other divisions will be addressed.
In his letter to the BBC Director-General, Fincham wrote: "It is with very great regret that I have concluded, following Will Wyatt's report, that I should resign as Controller of BBC One.
"I have had the tremendous privilege of leading BBC One through a period where the channel has undergone creative renewal. I believe we have made some really great programmes.
"While I leave the channel with great sadness I am tremendously proud of what I and my team have achieved."
In his reply the Thompson said it was with "great sadness" that he accepted Fincham's decision to resign. Replying to Fincham, he wrote: "Your decision to take responsibility demonstrates the integrity and conviction which has characterised your leadership of BBC One.
Thompson described Fincham as an "outstanding Controller" under which the channel had flourished.
(SP)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.

28/02/2023
DeltaLive Provides L-Acoustics Audio System For HM The Queen’s State Funeral
The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen took place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September, with the Funeral service paying tribute to The Qu
13/04/2016
Production News : Nominations Announced For RTS Scotland Awards 2016
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the nominations for this year's RTS Scotland Awards 2016. The awards cover all forms of production in
06/02/2018
Nominations For RTS Television Journalism Awards 2018 Announced
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the nominations for the RTS Television Journalism Awards 2018. The awards ceremony, sponsored by Gues
11/04/2017
RTS Announce Scotland Awards 2017
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the nominations for the RTS Scotland Awards 2017. The awards cover all forms of production in Scotlan
02/10/2015
RTS North West Announce Awards Shortlist
The Royal Television Society (RTS) North West Centre has announced the shortlist for its annual awards at an event hosted by CBBC presenter Lauren Lay
29/09/2017
RTS Announces Nominations For North West Awards 2017
The Royal Television Society (RTS) North West Centre has announced the nominations for its annual awards, at an event sponsored by Audio Network. Cat
08/06/2023
BBC Appoints Kerensa Samandis As General Manager For BBC iPlayer
The BBC has appointed Kerensa Samanidis as General Manager for BBC iPlayer. Kerensa joins from Channel 4 and will start the new role on 19 June. Repor
04/11/2014
Production News - RTS Announces Craft & Design Awards Shortlist
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the shortlist for the RTS Craft & Design Awards 2013/2014. The winners will be announced at a ceremon
21/05/2015
RTS Announces Winners Of Scotland Awards 2014
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the winners of the RTS Scotland Awards 2014. Chaired by April Chamberlain, the awards cover all forms
27/11/2023
Olivia Dean Named Winner Of The BBC Introducing Artist Of The Year Award
Olivia Dean has been announced as the winner of the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year Award for 2023. The BBC Introducing Artist of the Year award is
06/11/2001
BBC BRING TOGETHER BBC WORLD SERVICE AND BBC WORLD
THE BBC are to create a single integrated international news and information division, bringing together BBC World Service and BBC World. The aim is t
21/04/2023
Blue Lights To Return For A Second Series
The BBC has announced that Belfast-based drama Blue Lights produced by Two Cities Television will return for a second 6 x 60’ series. Directed by Gill
03/11/2023
BBC Sport Announces Audio Deal With Cricket Australia
BBC Sport has announced an audio deal with Cricket Australia for live cricket coverage across BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, 5 Live and BBC Sounds includin
22/11/2023
BBC Two And BBC Music Announce Cher Meets Rylan
BBC Two and BBC Music will deliver a Christmas present to viewers in the festive form of Cher Meets Rylan in December, which sees legendary singer and
24/05/2002
BBC's business-to-business broadband capability launched
BBC Worldwide, the BBC’s main commercial arm, have launched BBC Preview – the first business-to-business broadband application that allows internation