Former BBC Chair Thanks Disgraced Newsreader Huw Edwards Despite Knowing of Arrest
The former chair of the BBC, Dame Elan Closs Stephens, publicly thanked disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards for his “huge contribution” despite knowing he had been arrested in November last year. Dame Elan was appointed interim chair just a few weeks before allegations about Edwards’ private life surfaced in the media, leading to his resignation from the BBC in March this year.
In a statement to BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, Dame Elan confirmed that she was aware of Edwards’ arrest in her capacity as interim chair but was not aware of the “terrible details” that came to light this week after he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.
BBC director general Tim Davie also confirmed that he was aware of Edwards’ arrest and the nature of the allegations made against him in November last year but not the specifics. He defended the corporation’s handling of the case.
Despite the revelations, Dame Elan referred to Edwards as “poor Huw” on a Welsh-language radio program last month and expressed pride in thanking him for his contributions. However, she declined to comment on Edwards’ guilty plea when contacted by BBC Wales.
Edwards, once a high-profile figure as a main presenter on BBC One’s News at Ten, admitted to having 41 indecent images of children on his phone, including seven in the most serious category. He pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.
The BBC launched an internal investigation into the allegations against Edwards, but the findings have not been made public. Newyddion S4C made a freedom of information request for information related to the investigation, which was rejected citing data protection laws.
Despite the shocking revelations, Dame Elan said her thoughts are with the children involved in the case. The news of Edwards’ arrest and guilty plea has sent shockwaves through the media industry, raising questions about the handling of such cases and the responsibility of public figures in positions of influence.
