Births on January 19

Martin Bashir, English journalist

Martin Bashir: A Prominent British Journalist and His Controversial Career

Martin Henry Bashir, born on January 19, 1963, is a British journalist widely recognized for his extensive career in broadcasting across both British and American television. His career, marked by significant achievements, has also been overshadowed by profound ethical controversies, particularly concerning a landmark interview he conducted.

The Groundbreaking Princess Diana Interview and Its Aftermath

Bashir achieved global recognition for his 1995 interview with Diana, Princess of Wales, for the BBC's flagship current affairs programme, Panorama. Broadcast on November 20, 1995, this interview was unprecedented, offering the Princess a platform to speak openly about her life, marriage, and struggles within the Royal Family. It was watched by over 20 million people in the UK alone and generated immense international headlines, becoming one of the most significant royal interviews in history.

However, what was initially heralded as a journalistic coup later unravelled into a major scandal. It was subsequently determined that Bashir employed deceptive tactics, including the use of forged documents, to secure this high-profile interview. Specifically, he commissioned fake bank statements designed to falsely suggest that certain individuals, including members of Earl Spencer's staff (Princess Diana's brother), were being paid to betray information about the Princess. These forgeries were presented to Earl Spencer, creating a false sense of urgency and mistrust that manipulated him into introducing Bashir to his sister.

Bashir's Diverse Broadcasting Career

• BBC (1986-1999): He began his career at the BBC, where he worked on various programmes, most notably Panorama.
• ITV (Post-1999): Following his tenure at the BBC, Bashir moved to ITV. Here, he gained further notoriety for presenting the 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson. This programme, which chronicled a year in the pop superstar's life, also generated significant controversy regarding its portrayal of Jackson and journalistic ethics.
• American Television (2004-2016): Bashir then transitioned to American television, establishing a significant presence in New York.
  • ABC News: From 2004, he served as an anchor for ABC's highly respected late-night news programme, Nightline, covering a wide array of domestic and international affairs.
  • MSNBC and NBC News: He later joined MSNBC as a political commentator, where he hosted his own programme, Martin Bashir. Concurrently, he served as a correspondent for NBC's investigative newsmagazine, Dateline NBC.

Controversy and Resignation from MSNBC

In December 2013, Bashir resigned from his position at MSNBC following a controversy surrounding "ill-judged" and widely criticized comments he made about former Governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. The remarks, deemed offensive and inappropriate, led to a public outcry and ultimately his departure from the network.

Return to the BBC and Final Departure

In 2016, Martin Bashir returned to the BBC, taking on the role of religious affairs correspondent. However, his second stint at the corporation was cut short by the resurfacing of the 1995 Panorama interview scandal.

In 2020, the BBC's Director-General, Tim Davie, issued a formal apology to Earl Spencer for the deceitful methods Bashir used to secure the Princess Diana interview. This apology came ahead of an independent inquiry led by former Supreme Court Justice Lord Dyson.

The Lord Dyson Inquiry: This comprehensive investigation concluded in May 2021 that Martin Bashir had indeed commissioned fake bank statements with the intent to deceive Earl Spencer and gain access to Princess Diana. Lord Dyson's report explicitly stated that Bashir had "acted inappropriately and in serious breach of the 1993 edition of the Producers’ Guidelines on straight dealing," a fundamental code of conduct for BBC journalists. The inquiry highlighted a severe lapse in journalistic ethics and institutional failings within the BBC at the time.

Amidst the escalating controversy and the damning findings of the Dyson Inquiry, Martin Bashir resigned from the BBC in May 2021, citing health reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Martin Bashir and the Princess Diana Interview

What was the main controversy surrounding Martin Bashir's interview with Princess Diana?

The primary controversy stemmed from the findings of the Lord Dyson Inquiry, which concluded that Bashir used "deceitful conduct," specifically forged bank statements, to gain the trust of Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, and thereby secure the interview with the Princess.

What were the "fake bank statements" used for?

The forged bank statements were designed to falsely suggest that individuals close to Princess Diana, including Earl Spencer's staff, were being paid by media organizations or security services to provide information about her. This tactic aimed to create paranoia and convince the Princess that she needed to speak out.

When did Martin Bashir resign from MSNBC?

Martin Bashir resigned from MSNBC in December 2013 after making highly controversial and "ill-judged" comments about Sarah Palin.

What were the key findings of the Lord Dyson Inquiry?

The inquiry concluded that Martin Bashir breached BBC's journalistic guidelines by using deception to secure the interview. It also criticized the BBC for its initial internal investigation, which was found to be "woefully ineffective," and for covering up Bashir's wrongdoing for years.