Simpson the would-be media mogul at the cash strapped BBC
AS he relaxes with a cigar, it would seem that the BBC’s John Simpson is winding down after five decades in journalism.
But far from considering retirement, it appears the 71-year-old had been hoping to moonlight as a media consultant.
A website set up under the veteran foreign correspondent’s name advertised services including an ‘enviable network’ of international contacts and the chance to ‘assist clients in reaching their business goals’.
The since-deleted site was publicised on his Facebook page, on which snapshots of his lavish lifestyle were also posted.
Reports yesterday that Simpson – thought to earn more than £100,000 a year for his BBC staff job as world affairs editor – had set up a consultancy on the side clearly rattled colleagues at the cash-strapped Corporation.
BBC rules say presenters and journalists should not sign up to external activities which bring the BBC’s editorial integrity into question. They are urged to remain independent from outside interests.
But a senior BBC News journalist described Simpson as ‘a law unto himself’, adding: ‘It’s an appalling breach of editorial policy guidelines which apply to everyone on air. On what planet is that not a serious conflict of interest? Anyone else would get sacked.’
The consultancy page, which was seen by MailOnline before being deleted, was posted on his Twitter account on Thursday with the caption: ‘I like my shiny new website’.
Simpson denied any wrongdoing. In a statement to The Guardian he said: ‘I didn’t write or see the entries on my website, which was a work in progress, and wasn’t meant to go public. Two years ago I was given a new agreement which restricted me to 125 days a year with a commensurately deep cut in salary. I was given permission to work for any other organisation as long as it didn’t contravene the BBC’s guidelines ... I’ve never once transgressed the BBC’s guidelines.’ In 2014 Simpson was handed an indefinite contract – despite being several years past the usual retirement age. He is thought to have previously been classed as a freelancer, with a contract that came up for renewal every year.
A BBC spokesman said consultancy work was ‘not compatible’ with Simpson’s role and that he ‘won’t be taking these activities forward’.