BBC Savile Inquiry Heads Announced

Former Appeal Court judge Dame Janet Smith and ex-Sky News boss Nick Pollard have been appointed by the BBC to lead two inquiries into the late Jimmy Savile.

Police say Savile may have sexually abused 60 people over a 40-year period.

Dame Janet will look into the culture and practices of the BBC during the years Jimmy Savile worked there.

While Mr Pollard will examine Newsnight's shelving of an investigation into why police dropped a sexual abuse probe.

The BBC has been criticised for not calling Savile's behaviour into question and flagging up any abuse allegations during his long career at the corporation, during which he presented several television shows including Top of the Pops and Jim'll Fix It.

The BBC will also appoint an independent expert to look at sexual harassment claims and practices.

This comes after staff came forward to make allegations about other inappropriate conduct to which they say they have been subjected over the years.

Dame Janet's inquiry will include evidence from people who have made allegations about being sexually abused by Savile on BBC premises or while on location for the corporation.

And it will hear from those who claim they raised concerns either formally or informally about his activities.

The Pollard Review, which is being treated as a matter of urgency, will seek to establish whether there were any "failings" in the BBC's decision to drop the Newsnight investigation.

The programme had been looking into the CPS and Surrey Police's decision to drop an investigation of abuse claims against Savile.

It will also look at the BBC's handling of material which might have been of interest to the police. Mr Pollard will be given legal support independent of BBC management.

(H)