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BBC Union Seeks Robbie Gibb’s Ouster as Charter Review Eyes Political Appointments

The escalation spotlights questions over political influence on the BBC’s board.

Overview

  • BECTU, the BBC’s largest union, urged Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and chair Samir Shah to remove Sir Robbie Gibb, calling his position untenable and citing Clause 28 powers.
  • Lisa Nandy said the forthcoming charter review will examine political appointments to the board because they have damaged confidence in the BBC’s impartiality.
  • The BBC apologised to President Trump for a spliced Panorama clip, rejected his compensation demand, posted a retraction, and said the edition will not be shown again.
  • The Commons culture committee has called Samir Shah, Robbie Gibb and Michael Prescott to give evidence, with a hearing pencilled for 24 November, according to The Times.
  • The turmoil follows the resignations of director-general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness, and The Guardian reports urgent EGSC changes expected to dilute Gibb’s role.