The new head of BBC stumbled into a new threat to its reputation Monday after its decision to use university students as a cover to film secretly in North Korea was branded reckless and irresponsible.
BBC Director General Tony Hall faced accusations that his flagship news programme had used British students as human shields.
British universities said the BBC,with the North Korea documentary,had endangered students and damaged their ability to work in sensitive areas around the world.
The entire enterprise was reckless and irresponsible 8230; as well as deeply dishonest, said London School of Economics director Craig Calhoun.
Meanwhile,striking a defiant tone,the BBC defended its decision to send the undercover team,saying it was worth risking their lives.
The BBC has also decided to go ahead with broadcast of Panorama special by John Sweeney,who smuggled himself into North Korea.