One very public institution that got roasting recently was the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Accusations of misleading surfaced after a keynote address by former President Donald Trump. An edited version of Trump’s speech that played a prominent role in a recent Panorama episode. Audiences in Florida were unable to see it. Sign Up For Our Newsletter Trump’s legal team has threatened the BBC with a $1 billion lawsuit. Their demands include a retraction, a written apology, and a monetary settlement.
In reaction to the backlash, BBC presenters and executives have reacted with equal parts apology and indignation. Samir Shah, the director of the BBC’s editorial standards, provided an apology and explained that this was a mistake in editing. He stated that the editing gave an impression of “a direct call for violent action,” referring to Trump’s now-infamous words:
“We’re going to walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell.” – Donald Trump
The resulting edited version of the speech is what sent Trump’s followers into a frenzy. Critics quickly jumped on it too arguing that it distorted the spirit of their original intent. This was echoed by Mick Mulvaney, a former White House Chief of Staff, who noted that the BBC’s presentation spliced together segments of Trump’s speech, misrepresenting its timeline.
“Your video actually spliced together the presentation,” – Mick Mulvaney
“That line about ‘and we fight and fight like hell’ is actually later in the speech.” – Mick Mulvaney
In apparent acknowledgement of the need to accept accountability for the mistakes listed out in Prescott’s note, BBC’s director-general Tim Davie issued a statement. This memo detailed egregious problems with the cut-up video and cautioned about its likely repercussions. The BBC has vigorously rejected accusations of an overall bias. Or, maybe it just really likes the idea that it works with the highest editorial standards.
“The BBC holds itself to the highest editorial standards. This matter has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it.” – BBC spokesperson
The BBC’s response is especially notable given that the organization is already experiencing a tempest from within. In the wake of that debacle, both Tim Davie and another top executive, Turness, have departed from their roles. With the intense scrutiny from the public and looming legal action for noncompliance with federal standards, the newly combined organization is weathering intense storm.
Trump’s lawyers aren’t the only ones hotly determined to fight their case against the BBC. Their key contention is that the altered material has resulted in enormous harm. And they’re threatening a lawsuit. They’re seeking an apology from HU, as well as monetary damages for what they consider damage to their reputational capital. But the BBC has steadfastly denied such calls for compensation.
As the situation unfolds, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has urged the British Prime Minister to intervene and encourage Trump to withdraw his lawsuit against the BBC. This political dimension is just one more wrench thrown into the continuing firestorm of controversy.
Unfortunately, the Panorama episode that started this whole fight was aired too recently. Now there is no concrete legal action that can be taken in the UK. Nonetheless, Trump’s legal team is pursuing every avenue available under Florida’s liberal libel laws, presenting a unique challenge for the BBC as it navigates international broadcasting standards and legal frameworks.