BBC marks 90th anniversary mired in doubt

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 13 years ago

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

Explore Further

Algerian court upholds 7-year jail term for French journalist Christophe Gleizes

December 04, 2025: An Algerian appeals court affirmed a 7-year prison sentence for French journalist Christophe Gleizes, drawing sharp international criticism and raising urgent concerns about press freedom under Algeria’s anti-terrorism laws.

White House page on media bias raises press freedom concerns

December 02, 2025: A new White House page on media bias has raised concerns from the Committee to Protect Journalists, which says the site undermines independent reporting and press freedom.

Algerian journalist arrested amid rising press freedom concerns

December 01, 2025: Algerian journalist Saad Bouakba was arrested in a crackdown on independent media, highlighting growing legal pressure on opinion writers and raising press freedom concerns.

White House launches media-offender tracker for press

November 30, 2025: The White House launches a 'media offenders' tracker, naming US news outlets and reporters, raising concerns over press freedom, credibility, and government influence on journalism.

EU states move to boost independent journalism visibility

November 28, 2025: EU states back stronger rules to increase online visibility for independent journalism, aiming to protect media pluralism and safeguard access to reliable information across digital platforms.

Australian teens seek High Court block on under-16 social media ban

November 26, 2025: Two Australian 15-year-olds have filed a High Court challenge to block the upcoming under-16 social media ban, arguing it violates constitutional protections for political communication and digital participation.

Digital rights report exposes rising AI‑abuse in Southeast Europe

November 25, 2025: A new BIRN report finds 1,440 digital‑rights violations across Southeast Europe, highlighting growing AI‑driven abuse, surveillance, and threats to press freedom.

White House access dispute sends AP back to court

November 24, 2025: The Associated Press returns to court challenging White House limits on press access, raising national questions about First Amendment protections and how governments regulate journalists' entry.

Newsroom

Press freedom advocates urge Middle East action ahead of Human Rights Day

December 08, 2025 Advocacy groups, including CPJ, renew calls ahead of Human Rights Day 2025 for Middle East governments to free jailed journalists and respect media rights.

Israel’s 57 November assaults on Palestinian journalists raise alarm

December 08, 2025 A report by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate found 57 violations against Palestinian journalists in November 2025, underscoring systematic threats to press freedom.

Why Pakistan lags as foreign broadcasters choose India

December 08, 2025 India’s fast-growing media market, regulatory flexibility, and global influence are drawing major international broadcasters, including RT India, while Pakistan struggles to attract similar investments.

Sindh lawmaker apologizes after raising false news of Moin Khan’s death

December 06, 2025 A Sindh lawmaker apologized after mistakenly announcing cricketer Moin Khan’s death in the Assembly, highlighting concerns over rising misinformation and social media rumors in Pakistan.

India journalists attacked during corruption probe at RTO office

December 05, 2025 Two journalists investigating corruption at a Madhya Pradesh RTO were assaulted on November 28, prompting strong condemnation from media unions and renewed calls for stronger journalist protections.