Huw Edwards has “betrayed not just the BBC, but audiences who put their trust in him”, the corporation said following the former news anchor’s sentencing after admitting accessing indecent images of children as young as seven.
Edwards, 63, previously admitted three charges of "making" indecent photographs after he was sent 41 illegal images by convicted paedophile Alex Williams over WhatsApp.
Westminster Magistrates' Court heard Edwards told Williams "go on" when asked if he wanted "naughty pics and vids" of somebody described as "yng (sic)".
Chief Magistrate, district judge Paul Goldspring, said reputational and financial damage was the "natural consequence of your behaviour which you brought upon yourself".
The BBC said Edwards had "betrayed not just the BBC, but audiences who put their trust in him" - adding that the corporation was "appalled by his crimes".
The court also heard Edwards paid Williams hundreds of pounds after he sent him pornographic images, but his defence barrister Philip Evans KC said the broadcaster did not make payments to Williams in order to receive indecent images of children.
The prosecution said Williams asked Edwards for a "Christmas gift after all the hot videos".
Prosecutor Ian Hope said: "Alex Williams says he wants some Air Force 1 trainers that cost around £100, and Mr Edwards offers to send him £200."
Of the indecent images he received, the estimated age of most of the children was between 13 and 15, but one was aged between seven and nine.
Mr Evans said Edwards "recognises that he has betrayed the priceless trust and faith of so many people", adding that he is "truly sorry" for how he had "damaged his family and his loved ones" and for committing the offences.
Sentencing Edwards, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told the broadcaster: "Perhaps it does not need saying but you are of previous good character."
The judge said he accepts Edwards had been of "exemplary" good character "having enjoyed a very successful career in the media".
"It's obvious that until now you were very highly regarded by the public," he continued, adding that Edwards was "perhaps the most recognised newsreader-journalist".
"It is not an exaggeration to say your long-earned reputation is in tatters," the judge said.
He also told Edwards he would be subject to 25 rehabilitation sessions and be placed on the sex offender treatment programme for 40 days.
Edwards was also ordered to pay £3,000 in prosecution costs.
