Clive Myrie, a well-known BBC news presenter, has issued a public apology after failing to declare at least £145,000 in earnings from external speaking engagements outside his BBC role.
This revelation has raised questions about compliance with BBC rules, which require presenters to report and disclose such earnings on an external events register published quarterly.
The Details of the Undeclared Earnings
The latest external events register shows that Myrie retrospectively declared 28 engagements dating back to March 2021. These include roles as a moderator, host, speaker, contributor, and panel chair. Myrie received significant sums for some of these events:
- Five events earned him over £10,000 each.
- Eighteen engagements brought fees between £5,000 and £10,000.
- Five events paid between £1,000 and £5,000.
While Myrie had declared earnings in previous registers, these newly added entries were not disclosed during the relevant quarters.
Myrie’s Apology and Explanation
Clive Myrie took to Twitter to apologize for his oversight. He attributed the undeclared engagements to “administrative issues” and admitted he had not completed the necessary paperwork.
In his statement, Myrie wrote:
“An apology – I’ve had several administrative issues, and I didn’t fill out the correct paperwork for some of my external public events, so they haven’t been published until now.”
He further announced his decision to avoid future paid external engagements, beyond a few existing commitments, to prevent any similar mistakes:
“I’ve told the BBC I won’t be taking part in any more paid external events in the foreseeable future… My sincere apologies.”
BBC’s Rules and Response
Since 2021, the BBC has required on-air staff in journalism and senior leadership positions to declare their external earnings to maintain transparency and impartiality. A BBC spokesperson acknowledged Myrie’s apology and stated that he would no longer participate in paid external events.
The corporation added:
“The external events register forms part of the BBC’s commitment to ensure the highest standards of impartiality across the organisation. Individuals who have failed to follow the correct process have been reminded of their responsibilities with regards to the register.”
The BBC further announced plans to update its guidelines, adding specific rules regarding the volume of external engagements allowed. The spokesperson emphasized that breaches of these rules could lead to disciplinary action.
Other Presenters Cited
Myrie is not the only BBC presenter who retrospectively declared earnings. Lucy Hockings reported at least £5,000 for one event as a moderator, and Jonny Dymond disclosed earning at least £1,000 for two engagements as a host and interviewer.
Moving Forward
This incident highlights the importance of strict compliance with BBC rules to ensure impartiality and public trust. While Clive Myrie has apologized and taken steps to prevent future breaches, the BBC’s decision to revise its guidelines demonstrates a commitment to enforcing transparency among its staff.
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