The BBC is vowing to closely examine its editorial practices following the scandal
that erupted over its landmark 1995 Princess Diana interview.
This news comes just four days after an investigation led by Lord Dyson into
Martin Bashir's Panorama interview with the Princess found that the broadcaster, quote,
"...fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark."
Now, the BBC has released a lengthy statement, saying, "We accepted Lord Dyson's findings in
full and reiterate the apology we have offered to all those affected by the failings identified."
It added, "We recognise the impact that the events it describes has had on so many people,
not least those whose lives were personally affected by what happened."
Bashir and the program had been under investigation for several months after
it was alleged that the journalist used forged bank documents to secure access to the Princess.
The report found that Bashir deceived Diana’s brother Charles Spencer by showing him the
documents and that he also deceived BBC managers by denying he had shown the documents to anyone.
Following the findings, Prince William blamed failings over the BBC interview
for fueling his mother’s paranoia and worsening his parents’ relationship,
while Prince Harry said that the, quote, "ripple effect of a culture of exploitation and unethical
practice" ultimately took his mother's life. The BBC has written to apologize to both royals.
In its statement, the BBC board said that while the broadcaster is a, quote, "different
organisation today, with different and stronger governance, as well as improved processes" than
in 1995, it "must not just assume that mistakes of the past cannot be repeated today” and claimed
that it would review the effectiveness of the BBC’s editorial policies and governance in detail.
The statement concluded, "This has been a profoundly sobering period
for us all ... We must strive to reinforce confidence in our world-class journalism
and prove that we deserve the trust of all our audiences.”
For more on this story, go to THR.com. For The Hollywood Reporter News, I'm Tiffany Taylor.