‘BBC can rebuild through innovation’

THE BBC can rebuild audience trust, and its own confidence, by focusing on innovative programming.

That is the view of BBC North director Peter Salmon, who was speaking at a North West board dinner, hosted by accountancy group PwC and the headhunter Odgers.

Referring to the Jimmy Savile scandal and the departure of director-general George Entwistle over an incorrect Newsnight report, Mr Salmon said: “The corporation has been rocked by shocking crises. We’ve already seen the departure of the DG and the appointment of a new one.”

He added: “The events of the past few weeks have undoubtedly led to a drop in audience trust in the BBC. I’m not here to discuss the ins and outs of the last few weeks… but I believe innovative output will play a major role in rebuilding trust.

“I’ve seen three DGs depart and crisis has always been followed by renewal.”

He stressed the success of BBC North’s new base at MediaCityUK in Salford, saying its second anniversary in April next year will be a chance to “dismiss the naysayers”.

He added: “BBC North is here to turn up the volume of the whole North of England. The noisier we are, the bigger stage we can build for creative talent, and the bigger our impact.”