The BBC is currently navigating a complex situation involving accusations of bias and a potential legal challenge from former US President Donald Trump. This follows the recent resignations of senior figures within the organisation.

The broadcaster confirmed that it has received a letter from Donald Trump threatening legal action concerning the editing of a Panorama programme. The program reportedly depicted the former President appearing to condone violence. Prior to this, BBC Chair Samir Shah issued an apology for what he termed an “error of judgement” after BBC Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness stepped down.

Samir Shah addressed concerns about bias at the BBC in a letter to Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. These concerns were initially detailed by Michael Prescott, a former external advisor to the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee (EGSC), in a memo that was subsequently leaked to the Daily Telegraph. Mr. Shah stated that the Prescott memo is his perspective from the meetings at which he was present and not the full picture of the discussion.

According to Mr. Prescott's memo, there was a perceived “anti-Israel bias” in BBC Arabic’s coverage. He alleged that some contributors selectively reported stories that were critical of Israel. Regarding these allegations, Mr. Shah clarified, “It is worth stating at the outset that some of the coverage of Mr. Prescott’s memo has implied that he has “uncovered” a list of stories and issues that the BBC have sought to “bury”. That interpretation is simply not true. The issues raised by Mr. Prescott are precisely the issues that have been considered by the EGSC and the Board. The EGSC is the senior forum in which we scrutinise BBC output when concerns have been raised (from either internal or external sources) and where we determine what action needs to be taken. Put simply: the Committee’s job is to examine the bad news not the good news.”

Mr. Shah further explained that the BBC has taken action based on EGSC research into editorial concerns, including published corrections, clarifications, and new editorial guidelines. He also mentioned restructuring the BBC Arabic service, appointing a new Arabic speaking Head of Editorial Quality and Standards in the World Service, and establishing a new social media research unit to verify the sources appearing on the service.