There is an excellent thread on this at this time on Free Republic.
The head of BBC has resigned.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1066833/posts "BBC Management is almost in meltdown at the moment"
DailAblution ^ | 01/28/04 | Scott Burgess
Posted on 01/28/2004 8:31:20 AM PST by Pikamax
January 28, 2004 BBC Management "Almost in Meltdown" Lord Hutton's report into the death of Dr. David Kelly, released this afternoon, has almost completely vindicated Tony Blair and the government, at the same time severely criticising the BBC's reporting and governance.
This is a huge story. Most observers were expecting blame to be apportioned evenly, and the one-sided castigation of the Corporation has come as a big surprise.
The Guardian reports that:
"BBC chairman Gavyn Davies is said to be considering his position after Lord Hutton criticised the BBC in his long awaited report into the death of weapons expert David Kelly. The corporation has flatly denied rumours sweeping Westminster that he has resigned, but one senior insider said the mood at the BBC was 'very grim'." Expect resignations and rolling heads.
Here are some quotes, gathered this afternoon from the radio and the web. More to follow.
"In the end what it comes down to is a judgement by Lord Hutton - who he believes, whose motives he trusts most and in that, again and again, he comes down on the side of politicians and officials, who by and large he believes and whose story, whose narrative he accepts and he comes down against Andrew Gilligan, and journalism, I have to say generally, and against the BBC." BBC Political editor Andrew Marr
The BBC has been "drenched in disgrace and incompetence." Former Defence Minister Lord Gilbert - on The World at One, BBC Radio4
"A grim day for the BBC." BBC Radio 4 2pm News
"Completely unprecedented in the criticism of the BBC Governors' performance of their duty." BBC correspondent Richard Ayers - on BBC Five Live
"The [BBC] Management is almost in meltdown at the moment" Mark Mardell, BBC Chief Political Correspondent - on Radio 4
"Tony Blair couldn't have hoped for anything better." Mark Mardell
"There is no doubt the government has been cleared. Everyone from the prime minister down virtually is cleared of any misbehaviour." Correspondent Jane Peel
BBC Management is expected to reply soon. Stay tuned.
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