Hmmm. Greg Dyke then,
[BBC head Greg Dyke said,] “We are here for everyone in the UK, a trusted guide in a complex world.
“We perform this role best by exercising the freedom to air a wide range of opinion and to report the facts as best we can. In doing so, far from betraying the national interest, we’re serving it.”
. . .
“The whole culture of BBC journalism is based on the drive for accurate and impartial reporting.
“And we must never allow political influences to colour our reporting or cloud our judgement.
“Commercial pressures may tempt others to follow the Fox News formula of gung-ho patriotism but for the BBC this would be a terrible mistake”
. . . and, of course, Greg Dyke now, announcing his resignation,
“I think mistakes were clearly made by the BBC and that’s life. I think my going is actually quite important in preserving the BBC’s independence. You honestly have to believe that a line has to be drawn under this.”
Mistakes were made . . . and that’s life.
Sources:
Greg Dyke resigns. The Guardian, Owen Gibson, January 29, 2004.
Dyke slates ‘gung-ho’ war reports. The BBC, April 24, 2003.