Huw Edwards: BBC Chief Defends Not Firing Former Star Presenter After Arrest in Child Images Case

The BBC’s director general Tim Davie has addressed the corporation’s handling of the Huw Edwards case.

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In an interview Thursday to BBC News, Davie maintained that the BBC acted appropriately when it chose not to terminate Edwards’ employment after learning of his arrest in November 2023.

Davie revealed that the BBC was informed of the arrest’s connection to indecent images of children but lacked specific details beyond the category of potential offenses. The executive stated that BBC leadership was unaware of the ages of the children involved in the images.

The director general underlined that the BBC’s decision to withhold information about the potential charges was at the request of law enforcement. He cited the need to balance police cooperation with the organization’s duty of care.

Davie also confirmed that, to his knowledge, the BBC does not possess any additional evidence related to the case that has not been shared with authorities.

Huw Edwards Pleads Guilty to Making Indecent Images of Children; BBC Expresses 'Shock' Over Details Revealed in Court

When questioned about Edwards’ pension, Davie noted the challenges in reclaiming such benefits, describing it as “very difficult to claw back, nigh on impossible.” He added that the BBC would “look at all options” regarding pay, despite potential legal hurdles.

Edwards, formerly a prominent BBC newsreader, entered a guilty plea Wednesday to three counts of making indecent images of children. Davie expressed the BBC’s shock upon learning the specifics of the charges earlier this week.

The BBC continues to navigate the fallout from this high-profile case. Davie reportedly is due a meeting with newly appointed Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who has oversight of the BBC, on the matter imminently.

A comprehensive explainer of the Edwards scandal is available here.

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