This is a news article about the resignation of Deborah Turness, the head of BBC News, and Tim Davie, the BBC's director general, following an investigation into claims of bias at the corporation. The article discusses how the controversy began with a letter from Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC's editorial guidelines and standards committee, who made broad claims of bias against the corporation. The article also touches on the role of Robbie Gibb, a Conservative politician who is accused by some of being involved in a political operation to muzzle the BBC.
The article highlights the shocking events that led to Turness's resignation and Davie's departure from the BBC, including the fact that the corporation remained silent for so long after receiving Prescott's letter. The article also quotes several sources who describe the situation as "a deafening silence" and blame the board chair, Samir Shah, for allowing a vacuum that was ruthlessly exploited by the corporation's opponents.
The article concludes by noting that the departures of Turness and Davie leave the BBC exposed and rudderless as it enters crucial talks over its future and the licence fee. The episode has also left everyone wondering whether running the BBC is even possible in a politically hostile environment.
Some key points from the article include:
* Deborah Turness, the head of BBC News, resigned after an investigation into claims of bias at the corporation.
* Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC's editorial guidelines and standards committee, made broad claims of bias against the corporation in a letter.
* Robbie Gibb, a Conservative politician, is accused by some of being involved in a political operation to muzzle the BBC.
* The corporation remained silent for so long after receiving Prescott's letter, despite having the opportunity to respond earlier.
* Samir Shah, the board chair, is blamed by some for allowing a vacuum that was ruthlessly exploited by the corporation's opponents.
* The departures of Turness and Davie leave the BBC exposed and rudderless as it enters crucial talks over its future and the licence fee.
The article highlights the shocking events that led to Turness's resignation and Davie's departure from the BBC, including the fact that the corporation remained silent for so long after receiving Prescott's letter. The article also quotes several sources who describe the situation as "a deafening silence" and blame the board chair, Samir Shah, for allowing a vacuum that was ruthlessly exploited by the corporation's opponents.
The article concludes by noting that the departures of Turness and Davie leave the BBC exposed and rudderless as it enters crucial talks over its future and the licence fee. The episode has also left everyone wondering whether running the BBC is even possible in a politically hostile environment.
Some key points from the article include:
* Deborah Turness, the head of BBC News, resigned after an investigation into claims of bias at the corporation.
* Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC's editorial guidelines and standards committee, made broad claims of bias against the corporation in a letter.
* Robbie Gibb, a Conservative politician, is accused by some of being involved in a political operation to muzzle the BBC.
* The corporation remained silent for so long after receiving Prescott's letter, despite having the opportunity to respond earlier.
* Samir Shah, the board chair, is blamed by some for allowing a vacuum that was ruthlessly exploited by the corporation's opponents.
* The departures of Turness and Davie leave the BBC exposed and rudderless as it enters crucial talks over its future and the licence fee.