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MUMBAI:
BBC has announced that BBC Radio 2, 6 Music and Popular Music
controller Lesley Douglas has resigned. This
was due to the circumstances surrounding a broadcast of the
Russell Brand Show on BBC Radio 2 on 18 October.
BBC
DG Mark Thompson made it clear that there had been a serious
breach of editorial compliance that allowed grossly offensive
material to be broadcast, which should never have happened.
He also reiterated his regret that any suffering had been
caused to Andrew Sachs, his granddaughter and family as a
result and expressed regret that the broadcast had caused
serious public offence.
Prank
calls were made by the show's hosts Jonathan Ross and Russell
Brand to Andrew Sachs. Brand has since resigned. Ross will
be suspended from all broadcasting for the BBC for a 12-week
period, ending in mid-January 2009. He will not be paid by
the BBC during this period. The fees that would have been
paid will be deducted from his BBC contract.
In
a letter to Thompson, Douglas says, "Over the 23 years
of my career at the BBC, I have enjoyed a deep love and respect
for both the audience and the BBC. The events of the last
two weeks happened on my watch. I believe it is right that
I take responsibility for what has happened."
In
a reply to the letter Thompson says, "Your decision to
take responsibility for what has happened is an illustration
of the integrity and commitment which has characterised your
leadership at BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music."
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