JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 28, 2023
Join our WhatsApp channel
LONDON—Richard Sharp, the chairman of the BBC, has resigned from his post before the release of an independent report that found he had breached rules regarding a loan made to then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The report, published on Friday by Britain's public appointments watchdog, revealed that Sharp had failed to disclose potential conflicts of interest during his interview for the role. However, Sharp maintains that the breach was unintentional.
The public appointments watchdog had been investigating the process by which Sharp was chosen to head the broadcaster by the government in 2021. While the report found that he had breached the government's code for public appointments by failing to disclose a potential conflict of interest, it also stated that this breach did not necessarily invalidate his appointment.
Nonetheless, Sharp stated that remaining in his post until the end of his four-year term would distract from the BBC's "good work." Therefore, he has decided to resign and has sent a letter of resignation to the Secretary of State and the board.
Sharp confirmed that the report found no evidence that he played a part in facilitating, arranging, or financing a loan to Mr. Johnson, and that his breach was merely an oversight for which he apologized. With Sharp's departure, attention has shifted to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is responsible for appointing his successor.
The UK's culture secretary, Lucy Frazer, wrote to Sharp to express her appreciation for his commitment to the broadcaster. In contrast, Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell criticized the prime minister for not firing Sharp earlier.
Sharp will remain in his position until the end of June at the request of the broadcaster, allowing the government time to find a replacement. Sports presenter Gary Lineker, who had criticized Sharp in the past, called for an end to political involvement in the selection of the BBC's chairman.
July 08, 2025: As Pakistani authorities move to block YouTube channels of journalists, censorship tightens. Yet, social media has emerged as a defiant force, keeping the spirit of free speech alive despite increasing state control.
July 08, 2025: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has acquitted a murder accused, ruling that confessions made to the media while in police custody are inadmissible. Justice Athar Minallah emphasized due process and transparency in legal proceedings.
July 08, 2025: The Pakistan government has approached a court seeking the removal of several YouTube channels operated by prominent journalists, accusing them of spreading false information and provoking unrest against state institutions.
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.