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BBC Sky News Jimmy Savile

Former head of Sky News to lead BBC inquiries into Jimmy Savile

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

October 16, 2012 | 2 min read

The BBC has announced that former head of Sky News Nick Pollard along with High court Judge Dame Janet Smith will be leading the two inquiries into the Jimmy Savile allegations.

Dame Janet Smith will be investigation the culture and practices of the BBC during the time Savile was employed. She will also be looking into the BBC’s child protection and whistleblowing procedures and whether they are fit for purpose.

The Pollard Review will be examining why the Newsnight investigation into Savile was dropped earlier this year and the BBC’s subsequent handling of material which might have been of interest to the police.

This review has been treated as a matter of urgency as it “seeks to establish whether there were any failings in the BBC’s management of the Newsnight investigation relating to the allegations of sexual abuse of children by Jimmy Savile, including the broadcast of tribute programmes on the BBC.”

The Smith Review will not commence until the police agree for it to proceed.

Dame Fiona Reynolds, who chaired the BBC Executive Board which appointed them, commented: "These reviews will demonstrate the BBC's determination to open itself fully to scrutiny from independent experts, emphasising our belief that the basis of the public's trust is full openness and accountability."

BBC Sky News Jimmy Savile

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