Maitlis claimed the BBC went out of its way to “pacify” Downing Street when she said it was clear Dominic Cummings had broken lockdown rules in 2020. The presenter said BBC bosses were initially happy with her broadcast , but they reversed course and quickly issued an apology when No 10 accused her of bias. The former Newsnight presenter told the Edinburgh Television Festival: ‘Why did the BBC immediately and publicly seek to confirm the government spokesman’s opinion? Without any kind of legal process? It doesn’t make sense for an organization that is admirably, famously strict about process – unless perhaps it was sending a message of reassurance directly to the government itself?’ Speaking at the same event on Thursday, the BBC’s head of content, Charlotte Moore, pushed back and said proper impartiality was “particularly important to the BBC”. He insisted the BBC was not responding to a call from Downing Street when he apologized for Maitley’s comments: “There was in no way any influence from the government or from the board… Due process was followed and the BBC decided there was a breach of editorial standards. We hold everyone accountable for editorial standards.” Maitlis, who left the broadcaster this year to launch an upcoming news podcast, used the annual MacTaggart lecture to argue that the BBC and other broadcasters could be guilty of “both sides” and looking for the wrong balance in discussions. Moore said BBC viewers “expect our journalists to leave their personal agendas at the door – we’re not here to campaign” and it was important for the BBC to show “due impartiality on every issue”. He also backed a series of impartiality reviews which look at all aspects of the BBC’s output for possible bias, saying it is “right to constantly review and scrutinize ourselves”. A BBC spokesman said: “As we have previously made clear, in relation to Newsnight we have not taken action as a result of any pressure from No 10 or the Government and to suggest otherwise is wrong. The BBC found that the program breached its editorial standards and this decision still stands.” Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Moore, who oversees the vast majority of the BBC’s non-news programmes, said funding cuts caused by the license fee freeze were forcing her to focus on making fewer “high-impact” shows. He also suggested that the departure of many long-serving BBC staff, from off-air staff to stars such as Maitlis, allows the BBC to promote new talent: “We will be constantly evolving and adapting and constantly bringing in new people.” He said staff turnover made it easier to offer career opportunities to younger staff and “has a diverse and inclusive culture”.
