BBC trust debates pranks row report

8:06am Thursday 20th November 2008

The BBC Trust is meeting to discuss the management's report on the furore over Russell Brand's radio show.

The BBC was accused of "arrogance" on Tuesday as its boss accepted Radio 2 was wrong to announce Jonathan Ross' return date.

Sir Michael Lyons, chairman of the BBC, said "nothing" had been ruled out during the inquiry into the Andrew Sachs controversy, sparking speculation that £6 million-a-year Ross could face further disciplinary action.

But the BBC Trust later issued a statement which indicated no further sanction against Ross was expected.

The Trust previously said that it had requested a final, written report from the director-general at its meeting scheduled for Thursday, covering "all relevant issues".

Other unrelated matters are also on the agenda at the meetings which continue until Thursday.

Ross is serving a three-month suspension from the airwaves after he and Brand caused a furore by leaving lewd messages on the Fawlty Towers actor's answering machine.

Sir Michael and BBC director-general Mark Thompson came under fire from MPs during a tough Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing on Tuesday at the House of Commons.

Radio 2 said last week that Ross would return on January 24.

John Whittingdale, the committee chairman, asked Sir Michael whether this announcement was premature, given that the Trust was not due to publish its final report on the scandal until Friday.