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The UK Culture Secretary has given her full-throated backing to the BBC amid the Donald Trump editing crisis, criticizing fellow politicians for “launching a sustained attack” on the corporation. Lisa Nandy‘s statement to parliament on the BBC has been expected all day but she was not expected to swing so proudly in behind the BBC. “The concerns are serious in and of themselves but some in this house have gone even further, suggesting that the BBC is institutionally biased,” said Nandy, over the scandal that has led to the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and news boss Deborah Turness. “It should not be lost on us that the BBC has faced criticism from all sides, being accused of giving too much air time to some parties and for giving others too little. There is a fundamental difference between raising serious concerns for editorial failings and members of this house launching a sustained attack on the institution itself.” Nandy, who has in the past come in for criticism herself for repeatedly calling out the corporation, labeled the BBC “a light on the hill” and a “national institution,” one that “projects British values.” Having publicly criticized Davie several times over the summer amid a number of other scandals, Nandy was full of praise for Davie and Turness this time around. “I’d like to thank the DG for his service and commitment to public service broadcasting and I’d like to thank the CEO of news for leading through stormy times,” she added. “I do not underestimate the challenge of taking on these roles and the personal toll that they can take on the individuals who hold them.” Renewal of the BBC’s charter is imminent and Nandy said the Labour govenrment will help “collectively write the next chapter of the BBC story.” “Together we will ensure the BBC is sustainably funded, commands public trust and continues to drive growth and credibility across every region of the UK.” A green paper will be published shortly and more information is incoming, she added. The charter will be renewed in 2027, at which point the future BBC funding model will be set. Nandy concluded by setting out her government’s “overarching goal” where the BBC is concerned: “To ensure the BBC can renew its mission for the modern age, educate, inform and entertain not just for the coming decade but well into the next century.” She was speaking just 48 hours after the 100-year-old broadcaster was hit with crisis when Davie and Turness resigned after the leaking of a memo that revealed BBC footage of Trump appearing to encourage the Jan 6 rioters had in fact been spliced together. Trump has since threatened to sue the BBC for $1B over the Panorama documentary.
