BBC Panorama special looks at Jimmy Savile scandal

A documentary based on intel of Jimmy Savile and sex abuse allegations will be aired Monday night...

15:23 22 October 2012

 

The BBC on Mondaynight will show an hour-long Panorama programme that will look at ‘What the BBC Knew’ surrounding the sex abuse claims against former TV presenter, the late Jimmy Savile. It is understood the documentary will look at the reasons why an investigation in to the allegations was dropped.

 

The programme will contain information relating to Newsnight, who reportedly examined the cases against Savile in regards to some of his alleged young victims. The BBC has said in one report that Panorama will reveal “new evidence” as to “why Newsnight shelved its investigation into the scandal.”

 

The information was expected to be broadcasted in December last year before this idea was put to a stop. It was only earlier this year that it was revealed the film was scrapped.

 

Attention will also focus on Peter Rippon, Newsnight editor, and why the film was finally decided to be pulled. According to a report by the Mail Online, viewers will find out on Monday that a producer of Newsnight warned Mr Rippon the intel would not stay secret and that the BBC “would be accused of a cover-up.”

 

Reportedly, a reason as to why Mr. Rippon kept the expose on Savile hidden was based on ‘editorial grounds’.

 

The BBC Director General, George Entwistle, is also thought to come under scrutiny with regards to the expose not reaching the general public. It is expected that he will meet Members of Parliament on Tuesday.

 

As reported by the BBC, the BBC “has denied claims that pressure was put on Newsnight to drop its report because of plans to screen tributes to Jimmy Savile.”