News that police are investigating Chris Evans poses two linked dilemmas for BBC director-general and editor-in-chief Tony Hall.
Firstly, will Hall allow Evans, one of the BBC’s best-paid presenters, to continue broadcasting on his Radio 2 show at the same time as this allegation is being examined?
And secondly, will Hall be willing to press pause on the new, relaunched series of Top Gear which is still being shown overseas? It is worth an estimated £50 million per year to the BBC through sales of foreign rights, despite ratings being disappointing.
When Paul Gambaccini was arrested on suspicion of a historical sexual offence in November 2013 – he was later cleared – he was encouraged by BBC bosses to “step down” from his job as a BBC radio presenter while an investigation took its course.
Gambaccini stayed off air for months.
In reality, Gambaccini had no choice in the matter of whether he continued broadcasting. The fallout from the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal – and the BBC’s attempted cover-up of it – prompted the arrival of a dark cloud which still hangs heavily over the Corporation today and means it has to be seen to take all complaints against employees seriously.
It is worth remembering: Gambaccini was not the host of the vastly profitable Top Gear, or the presenter of the most popular BBC radio programme in Britain, and is far less well known than Evans. Therefore any deviation from the way the allegation against him was handled by the BBC in 2013 would likely trigger accusations of double standards.
As Heat Street reported on 12 May and 23 May, Tory MP Andrew Bridgen wrote twice to BBC chief Lord Hall and BBC Trust chairman Rona Fairhead asking for a full explanation of how the BBC examined allegations of bullying which were levelled at Evans over the last six months.
Hall’s reply, last month, makes clear that he was happy with Evans’ behaviour.
He committed himself to a position by writing:
“I have spoken to Mark Linsey, Director of BBC Studios, and Bob Shennan Controller, Radio 2, who have assured me that there is no truth to the suggestion that Chris Evans’ behaviour either on the set of Top Gear or on the breakfast show at Radio 2 has been unprofessional. Chris Evans’ past issues, both at work and in his personal life, have been well documented in the media. I am very satisfied that since he rejoined the BBC he has met the standards expected of him. As Editor-in-Chief I have made it a priority to see that the right procedures are in place to make sure that any allegations of misconduct are properly investigated, should a member of staff wish to raise a concern. There has been a comprehensive overhaul of the BBC’s Bullying and Harassment procedures and a focus on creating a culture where people feel confident they can raise concerns, through a range of available channels, and that they will be dealt with appropriately. The BBC’s position on conduct in the workplace is very clear and the rules apply to everyone, irrespective of their role or profile.”
In view of the latest twist, Hall will have to act swiftly and decisively. Any dithering could prove costly to his reputation as BBC chief.
