BBC marks 90th anniversary mired in doubt

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 14 November 2012

The BBC celebrates 90 years since its first transmission. The milestone is overshadowed by serious investigations into its handling of abuse allegations.

Summary

LONDON: Mired in doubt about its future, the British Broadcasting Corporation is marking the 90th anniversary of its first transmission.

The world-renowned broadcaster aired its first radio news bulletins on Nov. 14, 1922, reporting on a train robbery and London's fog.

Wednesday's anniversary come as multiple investigations probe the BBC's failure to report on widespread child sex abuse allegations against one of its biggest stars, the late Jimmy Savile, and on its belated retraction of mistaken allegations by its marquee news program that a politician sexually abused children.

The corporation's director-general was forced to resigned, while its head of news and her deputy have been temporarily removed from their positions.

Prime Minister David Cameron says the BBC must work to restore its reputation. - AP

KEY POINTS:

• BBC marks 90th anniversary of its first transmission on Nov. 14, 1922.
• The anniversary is clouded by investigations into child abuse allegations against Jimmy Savile.
• Director-general forced to resign amid the ongoing scrutiny.
• Prime Minister David Cameron emphasizes the need for the BBC to restore its reputation.
• The BBC has faced criticism for its handling and reporting of past allegations.