Sunday 23 May 2021

Of Diana, Martin Bashir and the BBC

I have a nagging concern at the back of my mind.

I have tuned into the BBC for 40 years, through radio and TV. I have backed its editorial stance, of impeccable independence, for all that time, and still do.

In 1995, Martin Bashir obtained an interview with Princess Diana through deception, which is reprehensible. The BBC did not exercise proper oversight and fudged investigations into the matter.
It is all the more serious because of the object of the interview: the late princess Diana.

Is it because of this that we are throwing the BBC under the bus? Aren't we in danger of throwing all that is good about the BBC away because of one rogue reporter and a former set of failing executives?

Because the sons of Lady Di are blaming the press (including the BBC) for her death, and will stop at nothing to get revenge?

William is no better than Harry in that respect. Shall we stop and think before we succumb to a severe dose of emotional overreaction.

 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57217853