Ofcom Boss Urges BBC to Act Faster on Controversies
Regulator Calls for Swift Resolution of Glastonbury and Gaza Documentary Issues
The head of broadcast regulator Ofcom has issued a stark warning to the BBC, urging the corporation to address controversies more rapidly to maintain public trust.
“Get a Grip Quicker”
Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes stated that the BBC needs to expedite its reporting and investigations into sensitive broadcasts. She cited the recent Glastonbury performance by Bob Vylan and a withdrawn documentary about Gaza as instances where the corporation was too slow to react.
“I think it’s very frustrating that the BBC has had some own goals in this area, with the Gaza documentary and then with the Glastonbury coverage, and it does start to erode public trust and confidence.”
—Melanie Dawes, Ofcom Chief Executive
Dawes expressed frustration that it can take the BBC considerable time to acknowledge issues that are apparent to others much sooner. She emphasized the risk of losing public confidence if these matters are not handled with greater urgency.
Glastonbury and Gaza Under Scrutiny
The controversies include Bob Vylan leading a chant of “death, death to the IDF” at Glastonbury, for which the BBC issued an apology. A documentary, “Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone,” was also pulled after a link between its narrator and Hamas emerged. Reports into both incidents are reportedly nearing completion, with the Gaza documentary review expected next week.
“I think I would say that, above all what frustrates me and others, is that when these things go wrong it can take a long time for the BBC to see that something’s happened when everybody else was there within a matter of hours.”
—Melanie Dawes, Ofcom Chief Executive
The BBC has stated that findings from the Gaza documentary review will be published promptly but must be thorough. The corporation is also facing questions from a parliamentary committee regarding the Glastonbury broadcast, with a deadline of July 14 for answers concerning broadcast delays, decision-making, and contingency plans.
New BBC Policy on “High Risk” Performances
In response to the Glastonbury incident, the BBC will no longer broadcast live performances assessed as “high risk.” Reports indicate that Lorna Clarke, the director of music, has stepped back from her day-to-day responsibilities.
This situation highlights the broader challenge of balancing free expression with audience protection, a concern echoed by other public figures. According to Ofcom’s 2023/24 annual report, the BBC received 3,895 complaints about programmes last year, with accuracy and impartiality being frequent issues cited by the public.
Melanie Dawes acknowledged the difficulty of leadership roles within the BBC but reiterated the need for a swifter response to incidents. She also noted that the BBC generally provides high-quality programming but that these “own goals” must be addressed more effectively.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented that rapid and thorough investigations are essential for the BBC to retain audience trust. Meanwhile, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp suggested that the BBC could face prosecution if its broadcast of Bob Vylan’s performance is deemed to have incited violence or hatred, stating there are no exemptions for the corporation.
