Annex 1: BBC One Panorama Interview

EXTRACTS FROM PRESS LOGS

6th April 1996

NCA/PANORAMA/MARTIN BASHIR/MAIL ON SUNDAY From Richard Peel, C.CINCA. John Ryan (Asst Ed, MoS) said the MoS was conducting an investigation into a series of documents, designed to resemble bank statements, which were commissioned by `Panorama' reporter Martin Bashir. Ryan said the statements purported to show details of a joint bank account held by Mr Robert Harper & Mr Alan Waller, trading as Weider Health and Fitness. He said the statements had been created by a BBC graphics artist. Ryan asked a series of questions about the documents: who had commissioned them, had their authenticity been called into question, and were any senior BBC staff informed about concerns over their veracity? After consulting Tony Hall, MD NCA, Editor `Panorama' Steve Hewlett, and DCA, gave MoS the following statement: "The draft graphic reconstructions on which this story are based have no validity and have never been published. They were set up in the early part of an investigation and were discarded when some of the information could not be substantiated. They were never in any way connected to the `Panorama' on Princess Diana, and there was never any intention to publish them in the form in which they have been leaked. Their use would never have been sanctioned at a higher editorial level, and if they had been transmitted it would have been a clear breach of our editorial guidelines." HCPR aware. From Kevan McClair, Press O. Follow-up calls received from Clive Goodman (NoW), Steve Ball (S.Times), Helen Johnstone (S.Tel), and Vikram Dodd (Obs). After consulting C.CINCA, responded with above statement.

In order from 14th November – 20th November 1995

NCA/PANORAMA/PRINCESS OF WALES

From Alison Jackson, Pub O NCA. See log of 14.11.95. Following today's Sun story claiming to carry quotes from the 'Panorama' interview with the Princess of Wales, D.Mail, E.Std, Times and Today asked if these quotes were accurate. Replied that there was no truth in the Sun's claims. Following today's E.Std article that the BBC is under pressure to cut parts of the interview, follow up calls from PA and D.Mail received. Replied that there was no truth in these allegations. Further details of other programmes that Martin Bashir had worked on given against enquiry to PA, Times, Today, D.Tel, D.Mail, D.Express and Gdn. Briefing note in folder. HCI NCA and S Pub O NCA aware. PA from 4.34.

DCA informed HCINCA that MDNCA had given the following information to Andrew Culf (Gdn), Marianne Macdonald (Ind), Lisa O'Carroll (E.Std) and Alison Boshoff (D.Mail) at the Governor's seminar on taste and decency today: the interview was recorded ten days ago on a Sunday; the Princess invited the reporter on that day; it was a crew of four and only eight people have seen the film.

From Press Office. 23.00. Hal Austin (D.Mail) followed up a Sun early edition story that the Princess of Wales had only agreed to the interview after Bashir had informed her that Special Branch and MI5 had been following her movements. After consulting Nigel Pritchard, Pub O NCA, replied that this was pure speculation, and repeated earlier briefing that the programme had come about as part of a broader enquiry into the constitutional position of the Monarchy. Alison Jackson, Pub O NCA informed.

WORLDWIDE/PANORAMA/PRINCESS OF WALES From Mike Gardner, P&PR Manager WWTV. See log of 14.11.95. Jackie Burdon (PA) asked for an update on the international licensing of the 'Panorama' interview with the Princess of Wales (tx BBC- 1 20.11.95). After consulting MD WWTV, Rob Milne, Hd of Commercial Development SNCA, and HP&PR WWTV, replied: We are in discussion with a large number of broadcasters around the world about the interview. No agreements have been finalised. It is not expected that any business will be concluded before the end of the week at the earliest. Numerous national and international journalists answered as above including Star, Express, Mirror, Sun, E.Std, Today, the European, Independent, S.Express, Broadcast and Glasgow Herald. Jackie Burdon (PA) also asked whether international broadcasters would have an opportunity to view the programme or obtain trails. After consulting Rob Milne, Hd of Commercial Development SNCA, replied: On this occasion there is no such opportunity to preview or obtain trails or transcripts of the programme in order to safeguard its exclusivity. The broadcasters know and trust the BBC's reputation for quality programming. PA from 16.09.

19.45. Shekhar Bhatia (Express) claimed an ABC insider in the US has alleged that the BBC has given the interview free or below the market rate because of a news access agreement. After consultation with MD WWTV, DCA, HP&PR WWTV, Hd Commercial Dev SNCA and Chris Cramer, Hd Newsgathering NCA, replied: It is nonsense to state that the BBC has given the programme away. ABC are a broadcasting partner of the BBC's and they have paid a fair market rate for the rights they have acquired. It is only one of a package of deals we are negotiating throughout the territory, ensuring that BBC WWTV can reap the maximum benefit from the region for British licence payers. We decline to comment on the value of any deal due to commercial confidence. HCINCA aware.

NCA/PANORAMA/PRINCESS OF WALES INTERVIEW

From Alison Jackson, Pub O NCA. See logs of 14/15.11.95. Press briefing held today, chaired by HCINCA, for journalists to meet `Panorama' interviewer Martin Bashir. Attended by Andrew Culf (Gdn), Jackie Burdon (PA), Tony Gallagher (D.Mail), Andrew Pierce (Times), Clare Garner (Ind), Peter Bond (Star), Rob Hardman (D.Tel), Jeremy Armstrong (Mirr), Richard Spalding (D.Exp) and David Taylor (E.Std). Transcript of briefing issued to most of the above and also S.Exp and Wayne Francis (Sun). Copy in folder. PA from 16.19.

QUEEN'S CHRISTMAS BROADCAST/PANORAMA

From C Press O. Andrew Pierce (Times) asked for BBC reaction to suggestion in PA copy issued at 18.24 that Buckingham Palace "concerned over the BBC's handling of the 'Panorama' interview... could consider switching the filming of the Queen's Christmas broadcast to another channel". After consulting HCPR replied that we couldn't comment on media speculation. For background, the Palace press office has also told PA that the story is pure speculation. 21.00 Tim Moynihan (PA) also answered as above. PA from 18.24.

23.00. From Press Office. Steve Atkinson (D.Mirr), following up a story on the front page of tomorrow's Times (17.11.95) that the Palace is considering a switch of channels, answered as above.

BoG/PANORAMA/PRINCESS OF WALES

From HCPR. In answer to query from Nick Hellen (S Times) suggesting that a member of the BoG had told him that the Board was unhappy about the 'Panorama' interview with the Princess of Wales, Governor Nicholas Gordon Lennox spoke direct to Hellen, telling him that there was no truth in this suggestion. The programme was a matter for Management, and the Board had no problem with it. HCINCA informed.

BBC WORLDWIDE/PANORAMA/PRINCESS OF WALES INTERVIEW From P&PR Manager WWTV. See logs 14.11.95 and 15.11.95. Jackie Burdon (PA) asked for confirmation that ABC in America had licensed the 'Panorama' interview with the Princess of Wales for $1m. Also sought confirmation that NHK (Japan), CBC (Canada) and RTL2 (Germany) and other international broadcasters had announced they had licensed the programme from the BBC. She asked how much the deals were worth and whether the programme will be shown on BBC World or BBC Prime. After consultation with MD WWTV; Rob Milne, Hd of Commercial Development SNACA; and HPR WWTV replied: "BBC Worldwide Television declines to comment on the value of any deal due to commercial confidence. BBC World and BBC Prime will be showing the programme simultaneously with BBC-1." List of confirmed international broadcasters and programme information sheet for BBC World and Prime given to Burdon. Copies in folder. Numerous national, trades and international journalists answered as above including Reuters, Times, Gdn, Ind, S.Exp, Broadcast, Hollywood Reporter and Variety.

Adam Dawtry (Variety) asked if international broadcasters have the right to edit the programme. After consultation with Rob Milne, Hd of Commercial Development SNACA, replied: "Broadcasters have limited editing rights but the integrity of the programme remains sacrosanct. We only deal with reputable broadcasters with integrity with whom we have long term relationships. We also have a mechanism to monitor broadcasts".

NCA/PANORAMA/BOG/CHAIRMAN

From Vicky McKenzie, Press O. See log 17.11.95. Clive Goodman (NoW) asked when the Chairman had been informed about the 'Panorama' interview with the Princess of Wales. Answered as previous log and pointed out that the Governors do not preview programmes before transmission. HCPR & Pub O NCA 'Panorama' informed.

From HCPR. DCA spoke direct to Nick Hellen (S Times) who asked why the Chairman had not been informed of the programme earlier. DCA said that it is clear that the Princess of Wales wanted to tell her story and it would be wrong to deny her that right. She wished to inform the Palace herself before any announcement was made and we're quite clear that we had an obligation to honour her wish just as we would have honoured the wishes of any other individual, provided we had control of the content of the programme itself, which we had. The number of people aware of the programme was therefore kept to the minimum operational requirement. The Chairman was told just before the public announcement, at the same time as the Palace. The Chairman and Governors have consistently made clear that they do not expect to view programmes before transmission.

NCA/PANORAMA/BOG/REACTION

From Press Office. Following a front page story in today's D.Tel "BBC Governors angry at secrecy behind Princess interview" (18.11.95), follow up call received from Chris Ward (S.Exp). Gave the following statement attributable to the Chairman: The Governors cannot judge a programme or the context in which it has been made until after it has been shown and been seen. We have therefore made no statement and will make no statement until after it has been shown, if then. Statement also given to PA. DCA, HCPR aware, HCINCA & Pub O NCA 'Panorama' informed. PA copy at 9.31.

NCA/PANORAMA/PRINCESS DIANA

From Press Office. See logs 14/15/16/17.11.95. Following a story in the Sun that journalist Barbara Walters, whose company ABC will screen the interview in America, had said that Princess Diana reveals in the interview that she does not want a divorce, calls received from Deborah Sherwood (S Exp), Jill Sargent (Reuters) and Tim Wilcox (ITN). From prior consultation with HCPR replied that ABC has not been briefed about the content of the programme. As we have said before, only 8 people have seen the programme and no-one else has been told what is in it. PA at 9.05. DCA, HCINCA and Pub O NCA Alison Jackson aware. Mark Christie and Amanda Pethven (S People) and Adrian Lithgow (MoS) asked for confirmation that the BBC had received an injunction, or a letter threatening an injunction to obtain a copy of the tape, from the Queen's solicitors. Replied that we have not received any such legal correspondence from the Palace. (For inf: the Palace press office also denied this story). Matthew Bell (S Mirror) asked whether it was true that the BBC was under pressure from friends of Prince Charles to drop the programme. Clive Goodman (NoW) asked for confirmation that there had been a preview screening for Prince William and Prince Harry. Answered no to both queries. DCA, HCINCA, HCPR, S Pub O NCA, Pub O NCA 'Panorama' and duty lawyer aware.

NCA/PANORAMA/CUTS CLAIM

From Press Office. 22.30. Following a story in early edition of People "Diana: BBC Panic", which claims that the BBC made substantial cuts to 'Panorama' on the orders of DG and C.BBC-1, Alistair Law (S Exp) asked for a BBC comment. Replied that the story is completely untrue and pointed out for his information, that C.BBC-1 has not even seen the programme. HCPR informed. Nicholas Hellen (S Times), also referring to the story, asked whether it was correct that one of the 'Panorama' team had joked that it would be a 'good birthday present' for the Princess to tell the Queen about the interview on Prince Charles' birthday. Denied that this had been said by any member of the 'Panorama' team.

WORLDWIDE/PANORAMA/PRINCESS DIANA/VIDEO

From Press Office. See yesterday's log. Deborah Sherwood (S Exp), Maureen Johnson (AP) followed up a story in the D Mail which claimed the BBC had dropped plans to produce a video of the Princess Diana interview after pressure from the Princess. From previous consultation with HCPR replied no decision has been made on the production of a video. There has been no pressure from the Princess and the BBC owns the copyright to the interview. Nicholas Hellen (S Times) enquiring about ownership of the copyright also answered as above. DCA, HCINCA aware.

WORLDWIDE TV/PANORAMA/PRINCESS DIANA/OVERSEAS

From Press Office. See logs 16/17.11.95. Valerie Elliott (S Tel) and Christopher Leake (MoS) asked whether any money from the licensing of the 'Panorama' interview overseas would be donated to charity. Replied that as a public service broadcaster funded by the licence fee, the BBC feels it is its duty to reinvest revenue from commercial activity in the production of new programmes thereby benefiting the licence payer. However, this is an unusual situation and we will look at it. DCA, HCPR, HP&PR WWTV and Pub O NCA 'Panorama' aware. .../

WORLDWIDE/PANORAMA/PRINCESS OF WALES VIDEO

From Jennie Allen, MPPR WW Publishing and Vicky Thomas, MPPR Video. Following PA copy at 12.35 that the BBC was to release a video of the 'Panorama' interview with the Princess of Wales in time for Christmas, a corrected statement was issued by Nicholas Chapman, MD BBC Worldwide Publishing: No decision has yet been taken as to whether a video of the 'Panorama' interview with the Princess of Wales will be released. No-one here has yet seen the film and we would not wish to take a decision at this stage. HCPR, Leighton Andrews, WWCA, and Alison Jackson, Pub O NCA, aware. Statement given to Rob Scully (PA), Louise Jury (Indep), Michaela Kapferer (Teletext/TV Plus), Mike Harvey (D.Mail) and Richard Wallace (D.Mirror). Corrected statement on PA at 16.24.

Harvey (Mail), Steve Absalom (Teletext/TV Plus) and Jackie Burdon (PA) asked for details of profits of any video sales and who would benefit financially. Confirmed that the BBC owned the video rights, and declined to comment on any financial arrangements that may or may not result from a possible release of a video. Added for background that in general profits made from the sale of BBC videos are used to the benefit of licence payers. Background note in folder. PA from 16.27 & 17.10.

From Press Office. 22.30hrs. Contacted Sun newsdesk to point out the inaccuracy of their front page early edition story that the BBC was to release the `Panorama' interview with the Princess of Wales on video. Gave statement from MD WW Publishing.

From Press Office. 23.00hrs. Peter Victor (Ind) followed up story in early edition of D.Mail stating that the BBC have "climbed down" over the release of the `Panorama' video following pressure from Princess Diana who owns the rights. After consulting Alison Jackson, Pub O NCA, MPPR WW Publishing and MPPR Video, answered as above and gave following response: "We can categorically state that no such objections have been made by the Princess of Wales and the BBC has total rights to the programme". Steve Hewlett, Editor `Panorama' aware.

NCA/PANORAMA/PRINCESS OF WALES

From Maria McDonagh, Press O. 22.30hrs. See logs 14/15/16.11.95. Mike Harrison (PA) and Toby Porter (D.Mail) asked for a comment on the Sun early edition story claiming that Barbara Walters had been given a confidential briefing of the contents of the 'Panorama' interview with Princess of Wales; the interview had been sold to ABC for £600,000; and a video for the interview is to go on sale at Christmas. After consulting Alison Jackson, Pub O NCA, and Mike Gardner, P&PR Mgr WWTV, and Vicky Thomas, MP&PR Video, replied: ABC received no confidential briefing and Barbara Walters received no confidential information about the programme. Stressed, as previous logs state, that the detail in the programme will not be known until it is broadcast. Nothing has been or will be released to anybody until then. Declined to comment on the value of any deals as these were commercially confidential. Added that information in the Sun about the release of a video was incorrect. See log WW/PANORAMA/PRINCESS OF WALES VIDEO. Ed 'Panorama' aware, HCPR informed.

WORLDWIDE TELEVISION/PANORAMA/PRINCESS OF WALES/OVERSEAS

From HP&PR WWTV. See logs of 16.11.95. Nicholas Hellen (S Times) briefed on request from previous logs re the licensing of the `Panorama' interview overseas. Hellen also sought confirmation that all sales revenue was going solely to the BBC. Consulted HCPR and replied that we were following standard practice for distribution of a current affairs interview. Stressed the benefit to the licence payer due to revenue from commercial activity being reinvested in the production of new BBC programmes. HCI NCA aware.

PANORAMA/COMPLAINTS/COPYRIGHT/ROYAL LIAISON

From HCPR. Jane Thynne (D. Tel) asked what was the number of complaints received about Monday's 'Panorama' and if the Chairman had received any. Replied there had been a trickle of calls to the Information Office over three days (21 complaints, 3 compliments). The Chairman has a steady level of correspondence about programmes in the normal course of business. Because of the high level of interest in Monday's 'Panorama', the level has increased a little. (For guidance, he had received a couple of dozen letters.) Thynne asked who held the rights on Royal programmes. Replied that typically the programme maker has the rights, and always in the case of News and Current Affairs. There has been a small number of programmes, e.g. the Queen's Xmas message, where copyright was retained by the Palace. Thynne also asked what was the role of Royal Liaison. Replied that in simple terms it provided a common point of contact, a switching centre between the BBC, its programme makers and the Palace Press Office. DCA and Pub O NCA aware.

PANORAMA/GOVERNORS From Natasha Lee, Press Office. Andrew Golden (Sun Mirr) asked why DG, who knew of the `Panorama' interview earlier, had not informed the Chairman and whether the Chairman was annoyed by the embarrassment caused to him by this. Consulted HCPR and responded that in keeping with BBC policy the Chairman was not informed of the programme in advance. He was told on Tuesday morning when the programme was announced. Added that the Chairman is on record as saying that it is not the business of the Board of Governors to involve themselves in programme matters before transmission. Also Deborah Sherwood (S Exp) asked whether the BoG is to hold an emergency meeting on Monday re `Panorama'. Responded that there were no plans at all for a meeting of the Governors on Monday. C Press O aware.

NCA/PANORAMA/BOG/CHAIRMAN

From Press Office. See logs 17/18.11.95. In response to Sunday Times headline "BBC chairman deceived over Diana interview" and the paper's claim that "senior BBC executives have admitted they deliberately withheld news of (the interview) from the BBC Chairman.....", the following response was agreed with DCA, HCPR and the Secretary: The BBC totally refutes claims that executives had any intention of "deceiving" the Chairman. This suggestion was based on the unsubstantiated remarks of an unnamed source who could not have been close to the decision-making process. The number of people aware of the programme was kept to the minimum operational requirement. The Chairman was told just before the public announcement, at the same time as the Palace. The Chairman and Governors have always made it clear that they do not intend to view programmes before transmission. Also supplied callers with the statement issued by the Chairman himself as per yesterday's log. Response given to Nick Higham (BBC Radio News), Torin Douglas (BBC TV news), Marianne Macdonald (Ind), Alex Frean (Times), Andrew Culf (Gdn), Robert Hardman (Tel), Nick North (Mirror), Alison Boshoff and Greg Hadfield (Mail), Louise Gannon (Exp), Thomas Whittaker (Sun), Gareth Morgan (Star), John Jenkins (PA) and Gordon Boreland (UK News). HCINCA, Alison Jackson Pub O NCA aware. PA copy from 15.51.

NCA/PANORAMA/PRINCESS DIANA

From Press Office. See logs 14-18.11.95. In response to queries raised by coverage in the Sunday papers the following statements were agreed with DCA, HCPR and HCINCA. Re programme content: The BBC has given no indication about the content of the programme. Stories about the content, therefore, have to be seen as total speculation. As we have said before, only eight people have seen the programme, none of them has talked about it and no-one else has been given any indication of what is in it. Added for background that none of the quotes in the S Tel or other papers are accurate. Re conditions: The only condition which the BBC agreed to was that the Princess of Wales asked to be allowed to tell the Palace. In every other respect the BBC has total control, including, of course, the content of the programme. Added background from log 18.11.95. Above responses given to Marianne Macdonald (Ind), Torin Douglas (BBC TV News), Nick Higham (BBC Radio news), Robert Hardman (Tel), Alex Frean (Times), Andrew Culf (Gdn), Alison Boshoff and Greg Hadfield (Mail), Louise Gannon (Exp), Nick North (Mirror), Thomas Whittaker (Sun), Gareth Morgan (Star), John Jenkins (PA), Gordon Boreland (UK News) and Helen Smith (Reuters). Alison Jackson, Pub O NCA aware. PA from 15.23.

From HCINCA. Article by Tim Gardam, Hd Weekly Progs, NCA, about the circimstances surrounding the setting up of the interview with the Princess of Wales given to the Times for publication tomorrow. Copy in folder. HCPR informed.

From Press Office. 17.00hrs. Following Sun tv advertisement on ITV this evening claiming that the paper had exclusive extracts from the interview, Torin Douglas (BBC TV News), Carol Midgeley (D.Mirror) and Gareth Morgan (D.Star) asked for a BBC reaction. After consulting HCPR and Alison Jackson, Pub O NCA, replied that the BBC has not given the Sun any extracts from the interview and they have had no access to any BBC material.

NCA/PANORAMA/PRINCESS DIANA/WILL CARLING

From Nigel Pritchard, Pub O NCA. See log 21.11.95. Peter Mackay (Eve Std) asked if it was true that Will Carling had been the go-between for the 'Panorama' Princess of Wales interview, and Bashir and Carling were good friends. Replied that they were not friends and that Carling was in no way connected with the interview. Martin had met Carling once in 1991. Mackay asked why no questions were asked about Carling in the interview. Replied that it seems the rumours surrounding Will Carling and Princess Diana are 99% fantasy and 1% truth and so did not merit being mentioned. Supplied him with details of previous programmes Bashir had worked on. HCINCA aware.

NCA/PANORAMA/PRINCESS DIANA/MI5

From Nigel Pritchard, Pub O NCA. See log 15.11.95. Chris Packhurst (Ind) asked if 'Panorama' was researching a programme on MI5 when it secured the interview with the Princess of Wales. He also asked if the programme had documents relating to MI5's reported role in monitoring Diana's movements, what her reaction was when the programme showed them to her, where had 'Panorama' got them and how did we know they were authentic? On the question of how the interview came about replied as previous log, adding that 'Panorama' does not have any documents on MI5 and HRH, so subsequent questions do not arise. Ed 'Panorama' and HCINCA aware.

Documents disclosed by the BBC Relevant extracts from BBC Board of Management meetings 4 December 1995 and 15 and 29 April 1996

BBC Management Board, 4 December 1995

BBC Management Board, 15 April 1996

BBC Management Board, 29 April 1996