BBC Director-General Tim Davie Faces MPs, Affirms No-One Irreplaceable Amid Multiple Scandals

BBC Director-General Tim Davie has acknowledged the corporation's significant mistakes, including the broadcasting of an anti-Semitic chant at Glastonbury and the sacking of MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode over misconduct allegations. Appearing before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Davie emphasized that no one at the BBC is irreplaceable and stressed the corporation’s commitment to rooting out abuses of power and toxic behavior, acknowledging that cultural change takes time and more scandals could still emerge. He described the Glastonbury broadcast as a "very significant mistake" and expressed sympathy for those affected by hate-fueled chanting. Davie was candid about the pressures of his role and refused to rule out further issues within the BBC, highlighting ongoing transparency and accountability efforts. BBC Chair Samir Shah supported the firm stance on eradicating bad behavior, stating that those who abuse power will not be tolerated. Together, they assured MPs that while the BBC does not have a toxic culture overall, there are pockets where problems exist and the corporation is committed to addressing them decisively.