BBC boss says expense claims were reasonable
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The BBC executive Alan Yentob hit out at the corporation's critics and attacked ministers for trying to interfere in its affairs.
Mr Yentob, the BBC creative director, told London's Evening Standard that expenses claimed by the corporation's top brass were reasonable, and there was no need for a "collective mea culpa".
Figures released at the end of June showed that high-level managers claimed £400,000 on expenses over the past three years, on champagne, cigars, flowers, cosmetics, food hampers and a Doctor Who action figure. Mr Yentob charged the licence-fee payer nearly £1,600 for an "executive Christmas dinner" and £160 for a lunch to discuss Nigella Lawson's contract, which he now says the chef did not even attend.
Mr Yentob said entertaining in such a way brought in more business.
The BBC was criticised after it emerged that radio and TV station chiefs showered celebrities with gifts and "thank you" lunches.
Mr Yentob, whose contract is worth up to £340,000 a year, insisted the spending was a reasonable way of holding on to big names, to benefit the corporation. But he said expenses were likely to be reined in: "From now on, and I don't just mean because of the exposure in the papers, the BBC is going to be tougher and meaner."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments