As the scandal over Martin Bashir’s 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana continues to deepen, the very purpose and structure of the Corporation are now under unprecedented scrutiny.
What makes this crisis so damaging is the contrast between the BBC’s highminded self-image and the grubby reality of its actions.
It sees itself as a cherished institution on a noble mission to guide the nation, yet, in the case of the Panorama interview, there was complete breakdown in any standards of journalistic or corporate integrity.
Not only did Bashir entrap the Princess with his web of deceit, which centred on fake bank statements, but his disgraceful behaviour was covered up for 25 years by top management.
The Panorama conspiracy is only the latest in a recent catalogue of scandals that includes the concealment of Jimmy Savile’s monstrous crimes and the vicious smearing of Tory grandee Lord McAlpine by Newsnight in 2012.
Just as reprehensible was the decision to broadcast a police raid on the home of singer Cliff Richard in 2014, for which the Corporation ended up paying him over £2million in compensation and legal costs.
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Slo torture as Brits waste a golden chance to end hoodoo
BOULTER RUNS OUT OF GAS AND TEAM LOSE THEIR WAY
BY EDDIE DID ME A FAVOUR HAVING A GO
Ollie changed after Jones attacked his 'bad attitude'
HILL DOESN'T TOP BILL
NICKY HENDERSON insisted there is \"nothing wrong' with Constitution Hill after his stable superstar was deposed as Champion Hurdle favourite yesterday.
THE ALTERNATIVE UNDERTAKER
From clifftop ceremonies to campervan-driven vigils and funeral pyres, Rupert Callender s revolutionising the 'bad theatre' that characterises the business of death in modern Britain
Cock-a-doodle-don't!
Residents have sleep shattered by bird's noisy 3am squawking
Mission to revive boxer pupfish after zoo finds it has the only one left
A ZOO is spearheading a conservation effort to save a rare fish species from extinction - after discovering it had the last remaining boxer pupfish.
'I'll never forget the horror in my dying husband's eyes'
A WIDOW who watched her husband choke to death due to cancer says she will never forget the look of horror in his eyes.
Gisele blasts the 'cowards' accused.of her many rapes
A FRENCHWOMAN who was sexually violated by scores of men after her husband drugged her called them all \"cowards\" yesterday as she gave evidence for the last time.
5,000 calories per day and no nature documentaries
Rev Richard Coles on lax pre-jungle routine
A criminal abuse of 'Stasi' police powers Pictures: GETTY
THE SINGLE most appalling aspect of the Allison Pearson story is that she was not told of what exactly she was accused.
