- BBC demands salary from former news anchor Edwards
The BBC is demanding over £200,000 (approximately €233,000) in salary payments from former newsreader Huw Edwards. The public broadcaster announced this on its website.
Edwards, who was previously the highest-paid BBC newsreader, recently admitted to possessing child pornographic images.
BBC accuses Edwards of deceit
The 62-year-old was initially suspended last summer following the first allegations. He was temporarily arrested in November. However, his salary, including an increase, continued to be paid until his departure in April this year. His annual salary was reportedly over half a million euros.
The BBC is now demanding all payments from the time of his arrest back. Edwards allegedly deceived the BBC about the allegations against him at the time.
"Mr. Edwards has admitted to a heinous crime. Had he been honest when asked by the BBC after his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public funds," the BBC statement read. Edwards has clearly undermined the broadcaster's trust and brought it into disrepute.
Edwards announced the Queen's death
The Welsh-born TV presenter was once considered the face of BBC television news. He announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022.
The BBC also announced plans to launch an internal investigation into its handling of power dynamics within the broadcaster. Minister for Media Lisa Nandy welcomed this. She had previously called for the BBC to demand a refund from Edwards.
"This is not a good use of taxpayers' money. I think most people in the country would agree with that, but whether he does or not is his business," Nandy said at the time.
The BBC is seeking the return of Edwards' salary payments from the time of his arrest, as they believe he deceived them about the allegations against him.The Commission, which in this context refers to the BBC, has expressed their disappointment in Edwards' actions and the misuse of public funds.
