MPs will examine Michael Prescott’s claims of liberal bias in coverage of Gaza, racial diversity and trans issues
The BBC has been plunged into crisis by the sudden resignation of its director general, Tim Davie, and the head of news, Deborah Turness. Their departure followed a disagreement over how to respond to a memo from its former external adviser Michael Prescott, in which he claimed there were “serious and systemic problems” at the corporation. He alleged liberal bias in its coverage of the US election, Gaza and racial diversity and transgender issues.
Their decision shocked many in New Broadcasting House, but what emerged in the hours after their departure was talk of a rightwing “coup”, board splits and crippling delays.
MPs on the culture, media and sport committee will examine Prescott’s claims on Monday. They will hear from Prescott and Robbie Gibb, the Conservative-supporting BBC board member accused of raising repeated claims of liberal bias.
They will appear alongside the Samir Shah, the BBC chair, Caroline Daniel, who was an external adviser alongside Prescott, and Caroline Thomson, another BBC board member. These are some of the key questions to be answered:
