by emad » Sun Jan 29, 2006 2:11 pm
<br>By Chris Hastings, Arts Correspondent<br>(Filed: 29/01/2006)<br><br>The BBC was "sacked" as producer of the Queen's Christmas message because Buckingham Palace sought revenge after the notorious Panorama interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, senior corporation figures believed.<br><br>Internal documents obtained by the Sunday Telegraph reveal that BBC bosses were convinced the loss of its exclusive rights to the Queen's Christmas broadcast was directly linked to Martin Bashir's interview with the Princess in 1995.<br><br> <br>Princess Diana was interviewed by Martin Bashir in 1995 <br>The interview, in which the Princess talked candidly of her failed marriage to the Prince of Wales, was watched by 21 million viewers.<br><br>The BBC had sole responsibility for producing the Christmas message up until 1996. Shortly after the broadcast of the Panorama interview, however, Buckingham Palace announced that ITV would be producing the 1997 and 1998 broadcasts.<br><br>BBC memos, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show that the corporation did not accept the Palace's explanation that it was bringing ITV on board because it was keen to try out "fresh ideas".<br><br>They also reveal that the BBC tried to retaliate for the "public slap in the face" by refusing to assist ITV with its broadcast.<br><br>The documents, which provide confirmation of what was speculation at the time, are likely to infuriate ITV and Buckingham Palace.<br><br>A memo to Will Wyatt, chief executive of BBC broadcast, from Philip Gilbert, head of events, dated January 10, 1997, states: "It is widely perceived that the BBC is in effect being penalised because of the Princess of Wales' Panorama interview and thus we do not give up our responsibility for the broadcast voluntarily but have to a degree been 'sacked'. <br><br>"Buckingham Palace claimed that they wish to test the market and 'see what ideas ITV can bring to the Queen's speech'.<br><br>"While the reality is that only cosmetic change can be achieved in the broadcast, be it produced by the BBC or ITV, the ITV coverage this year will be watched with great professional interest and indeed ITV and more specifically ITN will wish to make capital out of their new position.<br><br>"ITV never having undertaken this project before may wish to formally or informally seek BBC help or advice. I believe we should politely resist this at all costs … I have no wish to be churlish or professionally unhelpful to ITN, albeit a competitor. However, given the particular circumstances in which the BBC finds itself over the matter of the Christmas broadcast, it would seem inappropriate to get involved in the ITN operation of the next two years in any way."<br><br>Just three days later Mr Gilbert told Mr Wyatt of an approach from the ITV: "You will not be surprised to know that I have just been approached <br><br><br><!--EZCODE AUTOLINK START--><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/01/29/ndi29.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/01/29/ixhome.html">www.telegraph.co.uk/news/...xhome.html</a><!--EZCODE AUTOLINK END--> <p></p><i></i>
