BBC Director General Tim Davie has warned the corporation’s high-profile investigation into Huw Edwards could take “weeks, a couple of months or even longer”, while promising lessons will be learned from the handling of the storm.
He revealed the broadcasting giant has been in contact with the complainant at the heart of the story, but warned he could “only go so far” in discussing details of the situation due to privacy concerns.
“Since that weekend we have been in touch with the complainant and we want to be engaged and appropriately listening and understanding their concerns.”
Mr Davie also implored anyone with information regarding the case and the star presenter to come forward as they’re “keen to receive any information” that might be relevant to the investigation.
He said it’s “difficult” to provide a precise timeline on the investigation, as they have to process a lot of information all while addressing duty of care concerns.
Mr Davie added his main priority is to “be fair” and “act judiciously”.
The BBC chief said he’d also asked for a review into protocols and procedures around complaints, which will include learnings from their handling of the Huw Edwards case.
He said the BBC would be willing to make adjustments to its complaints protocols were problems observed as part of the review.
It will be led by the BBC’s Chief Operating Officer Leigh Tavaziva, and will be report back in the Autumn.
Mr Davie was joined at the Lords’ Communications and Digital Committee by Dame Elan Closs, the BBC’s acting chair, and Clare Sumner, the BBC’s director of policy.
