The BBC under Fire
In England and around the world, the BBC has a towering reputation as a beacon of broadcast journalism. But the beam may be dimming as the BBC finds itself in a fight to protect its image and its integrity. First there were accusations of anti-government, anti-war and anti-Semitic bias. Then came the suicide of David Kelly, who just days earlier, had been identified by the BBC as the source for its report that Tony Blair -sexed up- weapons evidence in his push for war with Saddam. Now a bill before Parliament could change the way the BBC is regulated. KCRW General Manager Ruth Seymour discusses the crisis at the BBC with a London-based journalist for CNN, the former managing editor of the BBC's World Service and a former advisor to the British government department that oversees broadcast and media.
Robin Oakley is a London-based correspondent for CNN, who-s been covering the BBC story. He also served as reporter for the BBC.
John Tusa, managing director of London-s Barbican Arts Center, served as managing director of the BBC World Service from 1986 to 1992, the transition period from the cold war to the so-called -new world order.-
Andy Burnham is a Member of Parliament from Tony Blair-s Labour Party, represents greater Manchester. Burnham is a former advisor to the government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which oversees broadcast and media in general.