A deluge of criticism has descended onto the BBC for offering its reporters who generate exclusive stories on the cash for honours affair a bonus of £100.
Corporation chiefs ordered the withdrawal of an e-mail promising the cash bonus after Labour MPs objected to the incentive to report on the alleged scandal.
Speaking to The Times, one insider said the e-mail was prompted by irritation within the BBC for having to follow up newspaper stories about the inquiry.
Executives have since explained the memo was borne out of a natural desire to be ahead with the news, though on this occasion the measures used were excessive.
Peter Watt, Labour’s general secretary, reportedly wrote to Mark Thompson, the BBC’s director-general claiming such bonuses would distort new judgement.
A Beeb spokesman said: “The offer of an incentive was wholly inappropriate and an error of judgement.”
Since withdrawing the offer, the news giant said it is “confident” that its reporters will cover the story with “total impartiality.”
Nov 24, 2006
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