BBC Governance Concerns Rise as MPs Question Samir Shah
Concerns about BBC governance concerns increased after the chair of the culture select committee criticised BBC chair Samir Shah. She called his responses to MPs “wishy-washy”. Her comments came after a heated hearing in the House of Commons.
MPs Raise Serious Questions
The session took place during a difficult time for the broadcaster. The BBC recently lost both its director general and its head of news. As a result, many MPs believe the corporation is struggling to manage issues around impartiality.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, who leads the committee, later spoke to BBC’s World Tonight. She said she worried about a lack of “grip at the heart of BBC governance”. In addition, she questioned whether the board was in “safe hands” under Shah’s leadership.
Shah Defends His Position
Samir Shah responded confidently during the hearing. He told MPs that he would not step down. Instead, he said he aimed to “steady the ship” and “fix it”. His message was clear: he intends to restore stability after a turbulent few months.
However, several committee members remained unconvinced. They wanted stronger assurances about how the BBC will rebuild trust. They also pressed him on how he plans to address long-standing concerns about impartiality.
The debate reflects wider challenges facing the broadcaster. Public trust has fallen in recent years. Therefore, many believe the board must move quickly to improve internal oversight.
Despite the criticism, Shah said he remains committed to transparency. He promised more detailed communication with parliament and the public. In addition, he said he would strengthen internal processes.
The committee will release further findings soon. The BBC board is expected to respond formally once recommendations are published. As a result, the coming weeks may define the next phase of the broadcaster’s leadership.
