Latest news with #MelanieDawes
Times
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
BBC losing trust with slow response to crises, Ofcom chief warns
The BBC needs to 'get a grip quicker' when controversies break out, the broadcasting regulator's head said, five months after it launched an investigation into its shelved Gaza documentary. Dame Melanie Dawes, chief executive of Ofcom, said there is a risk that public confidence in the BBC is starting to decline two weeks after it was forced to apologise for broadcasting a Glastonbury performance by the punk rock duo Bob Vylan in which its frontman led the crowd in chants of 'death, death to the IDF'. Dawes said it was 'very frustrating' that the BBC has scored 'some own goals' in its recent output. 'It does start to erode public trust,' she told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg. 'Above all what frustrates me is that when these things go wrong, it can take a long time for the BBC to see that something's happened when everybody else [could] within a matter of hours. It needs to get a grip quicker, get these reports and investigations concluded sooner, otherwise there is a real risk of a loss of confidence in the BBC, which is a shame.' In March, Lord Grade of Yarmouth, the Ofcom chair, wrote to the BBC to warn that the regulator may intervene if it is not satisfied with its internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the documentary Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone after it emerged that its 14-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official. A BBC spokesman said the findings of the review, which is being conducted by Peter Johnston, the corporation's director of editorial complaints and reviews, will be published as soon as possible. 'It is vital that this work is done as quickly as possible, but it must also be thorough and follow a proper process,' they added. The findings are expected to be released next week, within days of a separate review into the behaviour of MasterChef's Gregg Wallace. • Gregg Wallace's autism means he can't wear underwear, say friends An inquiry into the presenter's behaviour on the programme is expected to be published by Banijay UK, the production company behind the show, this month. Lewis Silkin, a law firm, has been examining the allegations about Wallace — the most serious of which he has denied — for seven months. After the Glastonbury debacle, the BBC said it will no longer broadcast live sets that are deemed 'high risk'. Last week The Times revealed that Lorna Clarke, the BBC director of music, is understood to have stepped back from her day-to-day duties while the broadcaster explores the circumstances surrounding Bob Vylan's set. Days after it was broadcast, the corporation said that it 'deeply regretted' its decision. 'We want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community,' a spokesman said at the time. 'We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC.' On Tuesday, Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, will face questions from reporters as the broadcaster publishes its annual report. Dawes was interviewed on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg before an appearance by Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly took her own life in 2017 after viewing distressing material on social media. Dawes said the government may have to consider further legislation to protect children from chatbots powered by artificial intelligence, after criticism of loopholes in the Online Safety Act 2023. • Is your teenager's secret best friend a chatbot? 'There are some forms of new AI which are going to be covered, but there are some that may not,' Dawes said. 'As the internet keeps changing, as new forms of AI come in very rapidly, there may need to be some changes to the legislation to cover that.'
Scottish Sun
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC bosses told to ‘get a grip quicker' after Bob Vylan launched into ‘death to IDF' chant at Glastonbury
Ofcom described the live stream as an 'own goal' from the BBC BEEB UNDER FIRE BBC bosses told to 'get a grip quicker' after Bob Vylan launched into 'death to IDF' chant at Glastonbury Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BBC bosses have been told to 'get a grip quicker' after major controversies such as punk rap duo Bob Vylan's Glastonbury outrage, the regulator says. Ofcom boss Dame Melanie Dawes insisted there is a risk the public lose faith in the corporation if coverage isn't pulled swiftly and investigations are lengthy. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Punk Duo Bob Vylan during the controversial Glastonbury set on Saturday Credit: PA 6 Singer Bobby Vylan crowdsurfed off the West Holts Stage Credit: AFP 6 The performance was live-streamed for 40 minutes before being removed from iPlayer Credit: PA The broadcaster has apologised after the band's lead singer chanted 'death, death' to Israeli defence forces during their festival set last month. The live stream of the performance continued for around 40 minutes after the remarks, with only an on-screen warning added before it was removed from iPlayer. The BBC later conceded it 'should have pulled' the stream, prompting fierce criticism from across the political spectrum. Bob Vylan has since been dropped by talent agency UTA, and Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are reviewing footage as part of a criminal investigation. Beeb bosses have vowed not to broadcast live performances of "high risk" acts on the main channels or the iPlayer. Dawes also spoke ahead of a review into a Gaza documentary where the teenage narrator was the son of a Hamas official. The programme, which aired earlier this year, sparked accusations of bias and a lack of proper vetting — criticisms that, combined with the Glastonbury row, have intensified scrutiny of the BBC's editorial judgment. She told the BBC: "I think it's very frustrating that the BBC has had some own goals in this area, with the Gaza documentary and then with the Glastonbury coverage, and it does start to erode public trust and confidence. "I think I would say that, above all what frustrates me and others, is that when these things go wrong it can take a long time for the BBC to see that something's happened when everybody else was there within a matter of hours. "So I would say to the BBC I think they need to get a grip quicker, get these reports and investigations concluded sooner, otherwise there is a real risk of a sort of loss of confidence in the BBC, which is a shame." Fury as Glastonbury crowd chants 'death to the IDF' during Bob Vylan set aired live on BBC The BBC did issue an apology after the Bob Vylan set saying it apologised for 'such offensive and deplorable behaviour'. Critics argue the BBC failed to act decisively during the live broadcast, despite having dozens of staff on site at Glastonbury to monitor content. The performance took place on the West Holts Stage, just ahead of another controversial act, Kneecap, whose own set was not shown live after security concerns were raised in advance. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy contacted top BBC boss Tim Davie immediately after the controversial performance demanding answers. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said BBC staff who let the broadcast go out should not be exempt from prosecution. He has previously said the band must be investigated and prosecuted. The incident has also raised comparisons to other recent high-profile cases, such as that of Lucy Connolly — the wife of a Conservative councillor who was jailed over tweets after a tragic murder case. Some, including Philp, argue that failing to prosecute the rapper would expose a double standard in how hate speech laws are applied. Avon and Somerset Police have launched a probe into comments made during the group's West Holts Stage performance at the Somerset festival. The BBC has said: "We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. "We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC." Rapper Bobby Vylan, one half of the duo, had also used the slogan 'from the river to the sea Palestine must be, will be, free.' The fallout from the broadcast has reignited wider debates about the BBC's impartiality, especially around issues related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Senior figures, including former BBC executive Danny Cohen and members of the Culture Select Committee, have called for a full internal review led by BBC Chairman Samir Shah. On the Gaza review, a BBC spokesperson said the findings will be published as soon as possible, adding: "It is vital that this work is done as quickly as possible, but it must also be thorough and follow a proper process." MPs are expected to grill BBC executives on both incidents when they appear before Parliament in the coming weeks. Critics say the broadcaster's slow response and lack of editorial oversight at live events now pose a serious threat to its reputation as an impartial public service. 6 The BBC released an apology after streaming the set Credit: PA 6 Bob Vylan has since been dropped by talent agency UTA Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC bosses told to ‘get a grip quicker' after Bob Vylan launched into ‘death to IDF' chant at Glastonbury
BBC bosses have been told to 'get a grip quicker' after major controversies such as punk rap duo Bob Vylan's Glastonbury outrage, the regulator says. Ofcom boss Dame Melanie Dawes insisted there is a risk the public lose faith in the corporation if coverage isn't pulled swiftly and investigations are lengthy. Advertisement 6 Punk Duo Bob Vylan during the controversial Glastonbury set on Saturday Credit: PA 6 Singer Bobby Vylan crowdsurfed off the West Holts Stage Credit: AFP 6 The performance was live-streamed for 40 minutes before being removed from iPlayer Credit: PA The broadcaster has apologised after the band's lead singer chanted 'death, death' to Israeli defence forces during their festival set last month. The live stream of the performance continued for around 40 minutes after the remarks, with only an on-screen warning added before it was removed from iPlayer. The BBC later conceded it 'should have pulled' the stream, prompting fierce criticism from across the political spectrum . Bob Vylan has since been dropped by talent agency UTA, and Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are reviewing footage as part of a criminal investigation. Advertisement Read more News Beeb bosses have vowed not to broadcast live performances of "high risk" acts on the main channels or the iPlayer. Dawes also spoke ahead of a review into a Gaza documentary where the teenage narrator was the son of a Hamas official. The programme, which aired earlier this year, sparked accusations of bias and a lack of proper vetting — criticisms that, combined with the Glastonbury row, have intensified scrutiny of the BBC's editorial judgment. She told the BBC: "I think it's very frustrating that the BBC has had some own goals in this area, with the Gaza documentary and then with the Glastonbury coverage, and it does start to erode public trust and confidence. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking Exclusive Exclusive "I think I would say that, above all what frustrates me and others, is that when these things go wrong it can take a long time for the BBC to see that something's happened when everybody else was there within a matter of hours. "So I would say to the BBC I think they need to get a grip quicker, get these reports and investigations concluded sooner, otherwise there is a real risk of a sort of loss of confidence in the BBC, which is a shame." Fury as Glastonbury crowd chants 'death to the IDF' during Bob Vylan set aired live on BBC The BBC did issue an apology after the Bob Vylan set saying it apologised for 'such offensive and deplorable behaviour'. Critics argue the BBC failed to act decisively during the live broadcast, despite having dozens of staff on site at Glastonbury to monitor content. Advertisement The performance took place on the West Holts Stage, just ahead of another controversial act, Kneecap, whose own set was not shown live after security concerns were raised in advance. Culture Secretary Shadow Home Secretary He has previously said the band must be investigated and prosecuted. Advertisement The incident has also raised comparisons to other recent high-profile cases, such as that of Lucy Connolly — the wife of a Conservative councillor who was jailed over tweets after a tragic murder case. Some, including Philp, argue that failing to prosecute the rapper would expose a double standard in how hate speech laws are applied. Avon and Somerset Police have launched a probe into comments made during the group's West Holts Stage performance at the Somerset festival. The BBC has said: "We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. Advertisement "We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC." Rapper Bobby Vylan, one half of the duo, had also used the slogan 'from the river to the sea Palestine must be, will be, free.' The fallout from the broadcast has reignited wider debates about the BBC's impartiality, especially around issues related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Senior figures, including former BBC executive Danny Cohen and members of the Culture Select Committee, have called for a full internal review led by BBC Chairman Samir Shah. Advertisement On the Gaza review, a BBC spokesperson said the findings will be published as soon as possible, adding: "It is vital that this work is done as quickly as possible, but it must also be thorough and follow a proper process." MPs are expected to grill BBC executives on both incidents when they appear before Parliament in the coming weeks. Critics say the broadcaster's slow response and lack of editorial oversight at live events now pose a serious threat to its reputation as an impartial public service. 6 The BBC released an apology after streaming the set Credit: PA Advertisement 6 Bob Vylan has since been dropped by talent agency UTA Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Bob Vylan performing on stage at the 100 Club in central London Credit: PA
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
BBC bosses told to ‘get a grip quicker' after Bob Vylan launched into ‘death to IDF' chant at Glastonbury
BBC bosses have been told to 'get a grip quicker' after major controversies such as punk rap duo Bob Vylan's Glastonbury outrage, the regulator says. Ofcom boss Dame Melanie Dawes insisted there is a risk the public lose faith in the corporation if coverage isn't pulled swiftly and investigations are lengthy. 6 6 6 The broadcaster has apologised after the band's lead singer chanted 'death, death' to Israeli defence forces during their festival set last month. The live stream of the performance continued for around 40 minutes after the remarks, with only an on-screen warning added before it was removed from iPlayer. The BBC later conceded it 'should have pulled' the stream, prompting fierce criticism from across the political spectrum. Bob Vylan has since been dropped by talent agency UTA, and Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are reviewing footage as part of a criminal investigation. Beeb bosses have vowed not to broadcast live performances of "high risk" acts on the main channels or the iPlayer. Dawes also spoke ahead of a review into a Gaza documentary where the teenage narrator was the son of a Hamas official. The programme, which aired earlier this year, sparked accusations of bias and a lack of proper vetting — criticisms that, combined with the Glastonbury row, have intensified scrutiny of the BBC's editorial judgment. She told the BBC: "I think it's very frustrating that the BBC has had some own goals in this area, with the Gaza documentary and then with the Glastonbury coverage, and it does start to erode public trust and confidence. "I think I would say that, above all what frustrates me and others, is that when these things go wrong it can take a long time for the BBC to see that something's happened when everybody else was there within a matter of hours. "So I would say to the BBC I think they need to get a grip quicker, get these reports and investigations concluded sooner, otherwise there is a real risk of a sort of loss of confidence in the BBC, which is a shame." Fury as Glastonbury crowd chants 'death to the IDF' during Bob Vylan set aired live on BBC The BBC did issue an apology after the Bob Vylan set saying it apologised for 'such offensive and deplorable behaviour'. Critics argue the BBC failed to act decisively during the live broadcast, despite having dozens of staff on site at Glastonbury to monitor content. The performance took place on the West Holts Stage, just ahead of another controversial act, Kneecap, whose own set was not shown live after security concerns were raised in advance. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy contacted top BBC boss Tim Davie immediately after the controversial performance demanding answers. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said BBC staff who let the broadcast go out should not be exempt from prosecution. He has previously said the band must be investigated and prosecuted. The incident has also raised comparisons to other recent high-profile cases, such as that of Lucy Connolly — the wife of a Conservative councillor who was jailed over tweets after a tragic murder case. Some, including Philp, argue that failing to prosecute the rapper would expose a double standard in how hate speech laws are applied. Avon and Somerset Police have launched a probe into comments made during the group's West Holts Stage performance at the Somerset festival. The BBC has said: "We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community. "We are also unequivocal that there can be no place for antisemitism at, or on, the BBC." Rapper Bobby Vylan, one half of the duo, had also used the slogan 'from the river to the sea Palestine must be, will be, free.' The fallout from the broadcast has reignited wider debates about the BBC's impartiality, especially around issues related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Senior figures, including former BBC executive Danny Cohen and members of the Culture Select Committee, have called for a full internal review led by BBC Chairman Samir Shah. On the Gaza review, a BBC spokesperson said the findings will be published as soon as possible, adding: "It is vital that this work is done as quickly as possible, but it must also be thorough and follow a proper process." MPs are expected to grill BBC executives on both incidents when they appear before Parliament in the coming weeks. Critics say the broadcaster's slow response and lack of editorial oversight at live events now pose a serious threat to its reputation as an impartial public service. 6 6 6
Glasgow Times
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Ofcom boss: Tech firms not given much power over how to protect children online
The regulator announced last month that sites containing potentially harmful content, like porn sites, will have to perform age checks on users as part of reforms which apply to both dedicated adult sites and social media, search or gaming services as part of the Online Safety Act. Ian Russell, who has been campaigning for improved online safety since his 14-year-old daughter Molly took her own life after viewing harmful content on social media, said Ofcom needs to 'act within the bounds of the Act in the strongest possible way' and communicate weaknesses in the legislation to the Government. Ofcom's chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes told BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 'We've set out about five or six things that we think can work, like facial checks and using things where you've already been checked for your age, like credit cards or open banking. Dame Melanie Dawes defended upcoming online safety measures (Jeff Overs/BBC) 'We said (to tech companies) you decide what works for your platform but we will be checking whether it's effective and those that don't put in those checks will hear from us with enforcement action.' Responding to the suggestion that Ofcom is giving companies a lot of power over how they implement measures, Dame Melanie said: 'No, we're not giving them that much power actually. What I'm saying is that when they're putting in age checks they need to work out what's going to work on their service. 'But, let me be really clear, what we are demanding to protect children and what does come in force at the end of this month they're going to need to tame those algorithms so that not just porn and suicide and self-harm material must not be shown but also violent content, dangerous challenges, misogyny, all of that must not be fed actively to kids on their feeds.' Pressed on why those types of content are not being blocked altogether, the chief executive said: 'What Parliament decided was that there should be an absolute block on suicide and self-harm material and pornography for under-18s and, then, what we've done is also add to that other types of content that we think is really harmful for children.' Ian Russell said Ofcom needs to communicate weaknesses in the legislation to the Government (Yui Mok/PA) She added: 'I'm not a politician and I think it's incredibly important that Ofcom respects the role that we have which is to implement the laws that we've been given. 'If Parliament decides to widen those towards mis- and disinformation, or wider issues around addiction for the kids, for example, then of course, Ofcom stands ready to implement that.' Mr Russell said on the programme that it 'sounds promising' but the proof will be in what happens in practice. He said: '(Ofcom) need to act within the bounds of the Act in the strongest possible way. 'They're sitting in the middle pushed on one side by families who've lost people like me and pushed on the other side by the power of the big tech platforms. 'I also think it's really important that Melanie starts to talk back to Government because Ofcom is clear about where the act is weak and she needs to push back and communicate those weaknesses to the Government so that we can make change where necessary.' He said the charity he set up in his daughter's name, the Molly Rose Foundation, will be monitoring how harmful content online is reduced. Any company that fails to comply with the checks by July 25 could be fined or could be made unavailable in the UK through a court order. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said those changes in the law are 'really important', adding it was now up to technology companies to put in 'robust safeguards' for children using their platforms. But she suggested it was not the end of ministers' plans, telling the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 'We are very clear as a Government that this is the foundation for a safer online experience for children, but it is not the end of the conversation. 'Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary, has been clear that he wants to look at things such as addictive habits and how we create healthier habits for children online in the same way as we talk about healthier physical habits for children.' Ministers 'will keep under review what is required', Ms Alexander added. Ofcom research found that 8% of eight to 14-year-olds in the UK had visited an online porn site or app on smartphones, tablets or computers in a month. Last month, the regulator said it had launched a string of investigations into 4chan, a porn site operator and several file-sharing platforms over suspected failures to protect children, after it received complaints about illegal activity and potential sharing of child abuse images. A report looking into the use and effectiveness of age assurance methods will be published by Ofcom next year.
