London: The British Broadcasting Corporation has issued an apology for broadcasting a report against a former senior politician that turned out to be wrong.
The BBC has issued an unreserved apology for the news programme, which led to Lord McAlpine being wrongly implicated in the alleged sexual abuse of children at north Wales care homes.
It comes after a victim, Steve Messham, apologised to the former Tory treasurer after saying he did not assault him.
Newsnight had reported Messham's claims against a leading 1980s Tory politician, but did not name him.
The BBC's statement said, that ‘on November 2, Newsnight broadcast a report that looked into criticism of the North Wales Abuse Tribunal.’
"The report included an interview with Steve Messham, an abuse victim who said that a senior political figure of the time had abused him,” the firm said.
"We broadcast Messham's claim but did not identify the individual concerned. Messham has tonight made a statement that makes clear he wrongly identified his abuser and has apologised. We also apologise unreservedly for having broadcast this report,” it added.
ANI
First Published: Saturday, November 10, 2012, 14:28