After pleading guilty to making indecent images of children, the BBC is removing footage of former broadcaster Huw Edwards. Starting with family and entertainment content on iPlayer, archives are undergoing individual consideration as to their appropriateness for continued use. Prior to leaving in April due to medical advice, Edwards had been one of the main presenters on BBC One’s News at Ten and often fronted major national events. Materials of Edwards’ most visible work in news and on state occasions are particularly being considered, with a Doctor Who episode featuring Edwards’ voice already removed from iPlayer.
The Guardian, which first reported on the move, indicated that the BBC is conducting the removal of certain content in order to “protect audiences from repeats” of Edwards’ work. A mural of the former newsreader in the village of Llangennech, Carmarthenshire has already been painted over by artist Steve Jenkins. A plaque honouring Edwards at Cardiff Castle has also been removed by Cardiff council. It has been reported by The Sunday Times that a woman, Rachel, complained twice about Edwards to the BBC and is being paid for therapy by the corporation. The BBC admitted shortcomings in its processes after an investigation into how Rachel’s complaints had been handled.
In admitting guilt, Edwards had indicated that 41 indecent images of children had been sent to him by another man on WhatsApp. While the BBC doesn’t routinely delete material from its archives, it is a matter of historical record and consideration is given to continued use and re-use of its materials. In this case, it is clear the broadcaster is taking steps to remove Edwards from past archives of certain events – including state occasions – with Doctor Who already affected and indications of much more to come. It remains to be seen how far the Clarkson-led corporation will go to avoid involving Edwards in any of its future projects.
The removal of Edwards from BBC archives is considered as him being rather infamous due to his recent activities. This removal is being brought about to protect viewers from being exposed to his presence because of his past record of inappropriate behaviour. Cardiff council has also removed a plaque honouring Edwards at Cardiff Castle after the long time presenter admitted to having 41 indecent images of children in his possession. The BBC board is also investigating the response by executives to Edwards’ arrest in November and the internal disciplinary process he faced after a woman raising complaints against him received therapy from the BBC
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