Speeches by Irons.

“Caroline has just outlined that better training has been put in place for data analysis, because anyone can look at a spreadsheet and come up with an answer for anything. She has outlined the actions that were taken off the back of that clear failure. Where that has happened, is that not the BBC behaving in the way it …”

“Can I clarify something? Dr Shah, you said that you were not involved in Sir Robbie coming on to the board, but, Sir Robbie, did you have any role in Dr Shah becoming chair? Sir Robbie Gibb indicated dissent.”

“Given that there was an investigation into the insurance piece, action was taken and the BBC acknowledged there was an issue, how much was that a systemic issue? Or was it just a cock-up? It is conspiracy versus cock-up. Is it just that a mistake was made, the BBC investigated and it was corrected? Given that action wa…”

“How, then, did we reach the position we are in now, where you, Michael, felt compelled to write your memo? Is there an issue around transparency at the BBC? Is there an issue with just being transparent and honest when things go wrong?”

“Fair enough. How has the Serota review changed working practices and culture practically at the BBC? We keep coming back culture and transparency, but how has it actually changed anything?”

“Yes.”

“Michael, do you have a view as to why there was a bit more of a delay when it came to a robust response?”

“You mentioned Tim Davie’s robust and very quick response to Glastonbury. Do you have any idea why the robust and quick response did not come this time around?”

“Thanks very much for coming in today. Caroline, you have mentioned the Serota review and talked about the depth of work involved. I want to pick up on a couple of points. The review found a culture of defensiveness at the BBC, especially around admitting mistakes, as the Chair mentioned. That was in 2021; have things i…”

“Over the weekend, there were reports of a resignation from the board. Dr Shah, why did Mr Banerji resign from the board?”

“Do you think there is a future model in which public service providers could create content for video streaming platforms but retain the IP?”

“Do you think the fund would be a good way to start in getting that onward journey and retaining iconic brands?”

“Yes.”

“Finally, what do you think the incentive would be to make YouTube do all of this voluntarily?”

“Sorry, I mean is there a way they could make it big on a global streaming platform, but make extra money out of the merchandising that comes off the back of it?”

“You have put forward a framework around quality-based content and making it surface. What is in that and how would that practically work?”

“Thanks very much for coming in today. I will declare some interests: I used to work at Channel 4, my husband still works there, and I have two small children who are addicted to little screens. My level of parenting at this point is, “Does it have a beginning, middle and end?” If it does, I am like, “Okay, you can watc…”

“Now, more than ever, the role of the BBC in our national story and our democracy and the trust we put in it are vital. Trust is not given; it is earned, and we cannot shy away when things go wrong. Does the Culture Secretary agree with me that the charter should focus on transparency, accountability and measurable comm…”

“I am going to turn to prominence, which has come up quite a lot. There is something around not all children’s content being the same—there is a big difference between “Cocomelon” and “Hey Duggee”—but, as you alluded to earlier, if you are a parent letting your child on these platforms, there is not any way of distingui…”

“That doesn’t pay the bills, though, does it?”