With the ABC and BBC both forced to apologise, how does brand management for public broadcasters differ?
Public service broadcasters take up a unique position within the media landscape. With strict editorial guidelines and non-commercial interests, the BBC and ABC have been two of the most trusted brands in and outside media for some time. But, will the recent lapses have a longer term impact on the brands than commercial competitors? Mumbrella’s Calum Jaspan investigates.
The release of the Dyson Report in the UK last month has thrown the public reputation of the BBC, and former journalist Martin Bashir, up in the air.
25-years-ago, the BBC’s flagship investigative programme, Panorama, aired an exclusive and revealing interview with the late Princess Diana (Spencer), in which several revelations proved to be a historic scoop for the broadcaster.
What was already controversial at the time, was recently confirmed to be more damaging than originally thought, with independent inquiry head Lord Dyson finding that the BBC had covered up “deceitful behaviour”, which included fabricating documents, and deceiving the Princess, in order to land the interview.
The damning report has been widely condemned, most notably by senior figures within the sitting government and the tabloid press, of which was also well-known for its treatment of Diana, Princess of Wales.
