The BBC has released a new - and presumably definite/final - statement on the situation to staffers internally.
Scott Mills had a long career across the BBC, he was hugely popular, and we know the news this week has come as a shock and surprise to many.
We also recognise there’s been much speculation in the media and online since Monday.
We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved.
What we can confirm is that in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values and terminated his contracts on Friday, March 27.
The BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards.
Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met.
Separately, we can confirm the BBC was made aware in 2018 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation, which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made.
We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.
Listening to 91.8 Hayes FM tonight, which appears to be a hybrid local commercial/community station serving the west of London.
It’s late morning in the UK…and the station appears to be automated with an AI DJ! I am not sure if this is common in the UK now. It’s obvious that it’s AI as certain phrases are repeated, and the delivery is flat and ropey. I really hope this doesn’t become the norm.
It’s still amazing to me how format changes/new stations need Ofcom approval. We had the old ABT/DOC process of public hearings in the 1980s and earlier of course, but those days are a distant memory in Australia.
