BBC's Thompson backs risky comedy

BBC director general Mark Thompson has claimed that the corporation remains free to take creative risks, despite a series of recent scandals.

Speaking to a private audience of 100 guests - including Bruce Forsyth, John Humphrys and Jeremy Clarkson - at London Television Centre, Thompson said that the BNP's recent appearance on Question Time demonstrated that the BBC is still unafraid to court controversy.

Describing the BBC's editorial guidelines as "just guidelines", Thompson stressed that "there is freedom at the BBC to take risks".

The corporation has however recently been accused of creating a climate of fear around anything with a potential to offend the public.

Last week, the BBC Trust rebuked Mock The Week over panellist Frankie Boyle's comments about swimmer Rebecca Adlington.

After refusing to apologise for saying that the Olympic champion's appearance was like that of "somebody who's looking at themselves in the back of a spoon", Boyle subsequently told Time Out that "the number-one priority in TV comedy today is 'don't frighten the horses'".

However, Thompson reassured the informal gathering of stars that he wants programmes like Mock The Week to remain "on the edge, in terms of creativity and in terms of risk-taking".

Despite the serious issues being discussed, one source told Broadcast that the session was more like "a big love in".

"There was a sense that the BBC is a bit embattled, but really we were all just pleased to be there being told how important it is that we go on making good telly," the source added.