BBC staff stage nationwide protest

Thousands of BBC staff have taken to the streets in cities across the UK to protest at the findings of The Hutton Report and the BBC resignation flurry that followed its publication.

BBC Offices in Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Manchester and Bristol witnessed protestors carrying sloganed placards defending the BBC's independence and condemning Alastair Campbell and the Prime Minister.

Both major BBC unions, the NUJ and Bectu, had called for the protests, maintaining that The Hutton Report was one sided and flawed.

NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear said: “The Hutton report poses a real and grave threat to journalism. It will inevitably mean journalists face greater pressure to reveal their sources and will make sources and whistleblowers think twice before coming forward.

“BBC journalists have taken the lead in standing up for journalism. Their magnificent actions last week sent a clear message to the Governors and management of the BBC that they must stand up for the BBC’s independence, integrity and commitment to quality news and current affairs. It also sent a forceful message to government – hands off the BBC.

Dear also slammed the BBC Governor’s “abject apology” over the affair, claiming it would “give succour to politicians and all those who want to intimidate or influence the news agenda.”

Commenting on plans for a review of editorial procedures at the BBC, Dear said: “Any review of BBC procedures must be conducted in conjunction with staff unions and should be aimed at strengthening the BBC’s commitment to investigative journalism not hindering it. Any review of BBC governance should be aimed at strengthening its democratic remit.

“The government must not use this episode as an opportunity for political revenge and should quickly reaffirm their commitment to a strong, independent public service broadcaster funded by the licence fee.”

(GB)