Sharp must now prove political independence to protect trust in BBC
The NUJ says that trust in the BBC must not be damaged by controversy over the role of chairman Richard Sharp in facilitating contact between a supporter of former Prime Minister Boris Johnston and the UK Cabinet Secretary to discuss financial support for the PM.
Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, said the latest development highlights the need for “far greater transparency” in the making of all public appointments, including links between public appointees and political parties. He said that Mr Sharp must display his independence from the current government by vigorously defending public service broadcasting and demanding that the BBC is given the funds to meet its mandate as a trusted independent, impartial broadcaster of integrity. He said:
“The chairman of the BBC does not exercise editorial control over the daily work of journalists. The primary obligation of impartiality and objectivity rest with BBC employees. It is vital that BBC employees are perceived to be impartial, and the corporation has been vigorous in ensuring that members meet that obligation. Editorial managers have always insisted that journalists do not cross the line on this issue, as a means of protecting the integrity of public service broadcasting. There needs to be a consistency in applying the same standards to the corporate governance of the BBC.
“It is vitally important that the BBC board acts independently of government. The current chairman needs to remove any perception of a lack of independence. He can do so by vigorously defending public service broadcasting, by demanding that the BBC is given the funds to meet its mandate as a trusted independent, impartial broadcaster. The ability of the BBC to meet that mandate, in the UK and globally, has been damaged by the hostile approach of successive Tory governments to the corporation. The urgent challenge of the board is to maintain existing services and challenge policies which inhibit journalism, diminish services to local communities and serve to undermine the BBC as a trust voice across the globe.
“I note Mr Sharp’s statement to staff and accept that his close associate with Mr Johnson has been a matter of public knowledge. It would be surprising if Mr Johnson, given his record, had not appointed a close associate to the post. This episode once again highlights the need for far greater transparency in the making of public appointments. That includes links between putative appointees and political parties and the broadening of the pool from which public appointments to all public bodies are made.”