Chairman of the Board of Governors of the BBC- Gavyn Davies- just resigned.


January 28, 2004 BBC Management "Almost in Meltdown"

Lord Hutton's report into the death of Dr. David Kelly, released this
afternoon, has almost completely vindicated Tony Blair and the government,
at the same time severely criticising the BBC's reporting and governance.

This is a huge story. Most observers were expecting blame to be apportioned
evenly, and the one-sided castigation of the Corporation has come as a big
surprise.

The Guardian reports that:

"BBC chairman Gavyn Davies is said to be considering his position after Lord
Hutton criticised the BBC in his long awaited report into the death of
weapons expert David Kelly. The corporation has flatly denied rumours
sweeping Westminster that he has resigned, but one senior insider said the
mood at the BBC was 'very grim'." Expect resignations and rolling heads.

Here are some quotes, gathered this afternoon from the radio and the web.
More to follow.

"In the end what it comes down to is a judgement by Lord Hutton - who he
believes, whose motives he trusts most and in that, again and again, he
comes down on the side of politicians and officials, who by and large he
believes and whose story, whose narrative he accepts and he comes down
against Andrew Gilligan, and journalism, I have to say generally, and
against the BBC." BBC Political editor Andrew Marr

The BBC has been "drenched in disgrace and incompetence." Former Defence
Minister Lord Gilbert - on The World at One, BBC Radio4

"A grim day for the BBC." BBC Radio 4 2pm News

"Completely unprecedented in the criticism of the BBC Governors' performance
of their duty." BBC correspondent Richard Ayers - on BBC Five Live

"The [BBC] Management is almost in meltdown at the moment" Mark Mardell, BBC
Chief Political Correspondent - on Radio 4

"Tony Blair couldn't have hoped for anything better." Mark Mardell

"There is no doubt the government has been cleared. Everyone from the prime
minister down virtually is cleared of any misbehaviour." Correspondent Jane
Peel





Craig, WPE1HNS
Meredith, NH USA

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