Newsnight failings could lead to further departures at Beeb
GEORGE Entwistle’s resignation as director-general of the BBC was seen as him taking responsibility for the broadcaster’s failures, but the 50-year-old’s may not be the only head to roll.
Peter Rippon, the editor of Newsnight since 2008, has stepped aside from the role while the BBC conducts an investigation into why a Newsnight report revealing information about Jimmy Savile was dropped. The results of the inquiry may pile additional pressure on Rippon, who decided to veto the programme.
Head of news Helen Boaden has also been accused of blocking the Savile exposé, while interim Newsnight boss Adrian Van Klaveren was in charge when the programme was shown.
The crisis could also extend to former director-general Mark Thompson, now chief executive of the New York Times.