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The head of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage, has urged against replacing BBC chairman Samir Shah at this juncture, emphasizing the need for stable leadership to bring the corporation back to an “even keel.” Her comments came amid ongoing turmoil following high-profile resignations at the BBC, including those of Director General Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness, both stepping down after controversy surrounding a Panorama episode that featured edited excerpts from a 2021 speech by former US President Donald Trump.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s *The Media Show*, Dame Caroline described Shah’s recent testimony before the committee as “wishy-washy” and discouraged any further major changes at the BBC’s top management. She highlighted that the organization is currently in the process of appointing a new director general and deputy, alongside preparing for the upcoming Charter Review. Dame Caroline stressed the importance of the BBC’s leadership demonstrating their ability to provide effective governance amid these challenges.
The scandal erupted following a leaked memo from a former external adviser, Michael Prescott, which raised questions about the effectiveness of the BBC board’s operations. Dinenage acknowledged the presence of “chaos in some parts of the BBC” and noted that the board itself is partially responsible for the instability. She called for “real fundamental changes” within the corporation but insisted that now is the time for steady leadership rather than disruption.
Further concerns revolve around the circumstances of former board member Shumeet Banerji’s resignation. Banerji publicly released his resignation letter, citing a lack of consultation regarding the loss of confidence in Deborah Turness by the board majority. Shah, in response to committee questioning, insisted he had a 26-minute conversation with Banerji and had consulted him adequately. Dame Caroline challenged this account, suggesting either Shah provided a selective version of events or his leadership falls short in uniting the board. Other MPs on the committee echoed these doubts, with Labour’s Rupa Huq and Liberal Democrat Cameron Thomas voicing their apprehensions about the BBC’s governance ongoing instability and Shah’s credibility. The committee plans further scrutiny of Shah’s role as the corporation navigates this difficult period
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