The incoming BBC chairman called yesterday for a report into the corporation’s post-EU referendum coverage as he put “impartiality, independence and accuracy” at the top of his agenda.
Sir David Clementi was questioned by MPs about his suitability for the job hours before his appointment was formally approved by the culture committee. He will be head of a new governing body that replaces the BBC Trust.
The former deputy governor of the Bank of England said that he would ask for “scientific” research to ensure that BBC coverage remained scrupulously impartial. Asked how he would ensure that, he said that he would call Lord Hall of Birkenhead, the director-general, and James Harding, the director of news and current affairs, before the new board. “The board is bound to inquire . . . exactly how they are seeking to achieve impartiality. I presume there has been some work after the Brexit referendum on how well the BBC has achieved this.”
Sir David also said that the BBC should not introduce a “copycat” version of The Great British Bake Off, now the show had moved to Channel Four.