Overview
- Chair Samir Shah apologized for a Panorama edit that gave the impression of a direct call to violent action and said the BBC reacted too slowly, as the director-general vacancy was posted with a December 31 application deadline.
- Michael Prescott told MPs he does not believe the BBC is institutionally biased, cited 'incipient problems' with systemic causes, and said the edit probably did not damage President Donald Trump’s reputation.
- Caroline Thomson disclosed a split between the board and BBC News over whether the programme’s impact misled viewers, with the board pressing for a stronger acknowledgment of breach.
- Trump has threatened a $1–5 billion defamation suit; the BBC rejects the basis for a claim and notes the film did not air in the U.S., while the FCC has opened an inquiry.
- Board member Robbie Gibb denied allegations of a politically driven 'coup' and insisted on his impartiality, as pressure on the board continued following Shumeet Banerji’s resignation.