Panorama probes BBC Savile decision

Oct 20 2012

The BBC is to broadcast a Panorama special examining Newsnight's decision to drop an investigation into Jimmy Savile's abuse of children.

The programme - which as yet does not have a confirmed time slot and is still being made - will see one BBC flagship pore over the apparent failings of another as the corporation aims to answer questions of editorial integrity.

The Panorama special could result in more difficult questions for Director General George Entwistle when he appears on Tuesday at the Commons select committee for Culture, Media and Sport.

The BBC has already announced two inquiries: one into its culture and practices led by Dame Janet Smith, and another by former Sky News boss Nick Pollard probing why Newsnight dropped its programme into Savile's sex abuse.

It is believed Panorama has an extensive email chain between Newsnight staff including editor Peter Rippon and his investigative reporters who include Liz MacKean and Meirion Jones.

The correspondence is understood to show that Newsnight reporters were focusing on the entertainer's abuse and not, as the corporation later stated, Surrey Police's decision to drop its investigation into the presenter.