In a scathing interview, former BBC correspondent Jon Sopel has spoken out about the current state of the BBC, the turmoil surrounding Huw Edwards, and his own decision to leave the organization. Sopel, who spent over 30 years with the BBC, expressed deep concern about the direction of the broadcaster and the impact of recent scandals.

“It’s absolutely abhorrent,” Sopel said, referring to the allegations against Edwards. “It’s a terrible stain on the BBC’s reputation, and it’s deeply upsetting for everyone involved.” Sopel also highlighted the ongoing challenges the BBC faces, including dwindling budgets and growing competition from streaming services. He believes these issues are leading to a decline in the quality of journalism and contributing to a sense of uncertainty within the organization.

Sopel, now a respected journalist and commentator, said his decision to leave the BBC was not easy but ultimately, he felt it was time for a change. “The BBC is a fantastic institution, but it’s facing some serious challenges. I wanted to move on and explore new opportunities.”

While remaining critical of the BBC’s current state, Sopel expressed hope for the future. He believes that the organization still has the potential to be a powerful force in the media landscape, but it needs to adapt and innovate to stay relevant. “The BBC needs to find a way to regain the trust of its audience,” he said. “It needs to be bold and ambitious, and it needs to invest in its people.”