Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has declared that the position of BBC board member Sir Robbie Gibb is “untenable.” This statement follows accusations of bias against the broadcaster, which have intensified after the resignations of two high-ranking BBC officials. Tim Davie, the BBC Director-General, and Deborah Turness, Chief Executive of BBC News, both stepped down over a controversy related to the editing of a speech by former US President Donald Trump prior to the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.
Sir Robbie Gibb, who previously served as the director of communications for former Prime Minister Theresa May, was appointed to the BBC board in 2021. His appointment faced scrutiny from the outset, with critics questioning his ability to contribute to the impartiality of the public service broadcaster. Swinney pointed out that Gibb’s party-political background raises concerns about the BBC’s perceived independence.
In an interview with LBC on Monday, Swinney stated, “Robbie Gibb is a very clearly affiliated party-political figure on the board of the BBC. If the BBC wants to be viewed as an impartial organisation that’s authoritative, then I think Robbie Gibb’s position is untenable.” He expressed that the current situation, especially regarding the editing of Trump’s speech, “undermines the independence and impartiality” essential to the BBC’s role in public service broadcasting.
The controversy surrounding the edited clip has prompted public debate about the standards of impartiality and independence within the BBC. Swinney emphasized the importance of the BBC remaining a trusted source of commentary and news, stating, “Whoever it is in the BBC has got to be able to live up to the standards of impartiality.”
In light of the resignations, Turness addressed the media outside the BBC’s London headquarters. She rejected the notion of institutional bias within the organization but acknowledged that “mistakes are made.” The BBC has been approached for further comment regarding these developments and the future of its governance.
As the organization navigates this tumultuous period, the implications of these events could resonate beyond the BBC, affecting public trust in media institutions more broadly. The call for Gibb’s resignation underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by the broadcaster amid allegations of political influence within its ranks.
