After the Huw Edwards scandal – and all the others – we must have a BBC fit for the modern age | Jane Martinson

The former presenter's crimes are his responsibility, but the corporation must change so its stars can never again abuse their power

Disgraced, convicted and now sentenced, a chapter has closed: there will clearly be no return to public life for Huw Edwards. But what of his employer, the BBC, whose reputation allows the greatest recognition and respect to those it considers stars, possibly more than any other broadcaster?

The ability of well-known, powerful figures, usually men, to abuse the trust placed in them is not unique to the BBC, of course. But the BBC's history, as well as the universal funding mechanism it is currently fighting to continue, makes it imperative that, this time, the corporation learns the lessons of past scandals. The BBC's lowest point was clearly after the revelations about Jimmy Savile, who had been allowed to hide far more atrocious sins in plain sight and to die a hero. But it must still ensure that it is in a strong position to weather further scandals.

Jane Martinson is a Guardian columnist

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