BBC admits ‘mistake’ after ‘political’ Russell T Davies interview breaks fundamental impartiality rule-Adam Miller-Entertainment – Metro

Russell’s swipe at the government breached BBC impartiality rules (Picture: Getty)

The BBC has held its hands up to breaking impartiality rules by airing an interview with Russell T Davies at the Bafta TV Awards.

While speaking to the broadcaster at the ceremony, Davies slammed the government’s plan to privatise Channel 4 and scrap the BBC license fee, with his comments later airing during a BBC News report on May 8.

Speaking about his thrill of landing eight nominations for his ground-breaking drama It’s A Sin, the screenwriter said: ‘Completely surprised and completely thrilled and it’s so nice to see that cast being recognised tonight.

‘And of course it was made on a channel that the government’s going to sell off, while they’re also planning to get rid of the BBC licence fee – so, if you like shows like this, go and vote differently, that’s what I say.’

A viewer subsequently complained Davies’ comments had not been ‘put into proper context’ and were in breach of impartiality rules.

In turn, the Beeb has admitted the clip was selected ‘by mistake’.

Davies didn’t hold back – and rightly so (Picture: Getty)

A statement said: ‘The reporter and producer were on location at the awards ceremony rather than at New Broadcasting House where the material was edited together.

‘The reporter’s commentary was designed to introduce a remark about Doctor Who, but a different clip was selected by mistake.

‘The strong political view it included was not balanced by any reflection of Government policy during the news channel’s coverage of the Baftas that evening, and was therefore in breach of the BBC’s requirement to show impartiality on politically controversial matters.’

Regardless, Davies will be back at the BBC to helm the new series of Doctor Who, returning to the franchise with the new Doctor Ncuti Gatwa.

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