Claims of systemic problems with BBC news coverage disputed by former adviser

"But in my view, was the BBC willing to have a proper conversation, debate and actually take action? In my view, yes. Also appearing before MPs, Prescott said he did not believe the BBC was institutionally biased, but said he believed the BBC repeatedly failed to properly follow up issues raised at the EGSC. However, Daniel disagreed. The real issue is the culture of the BBC in terms of the level of attention paid to these issues, she said."

"Deborah Turness, the head of BBC News, also resigned after the allegations by Michael Prescott, a PR executive and former independent external adviser to the BBC's editorial guidelines and standards committee (EGSC). Prescott's memo, sent to the BBC's board and eventually leaked to the Daily Telegraph, contained a series of claims of bias in relation to issues including Trump and racial diversity. He claimed the corporation's leaders had ignored his concerns or not properly followed through on mistakes."

Michael Prescott made allegations of serious, systemic problems in BBC coverage of Donald Trump, Gaza and trans issues that preceded resignations including director general Tim Davie and Deborah Turness. Prescott claimed leaders ignored concerns and failed to follow up mistakes and raised issues about bias and racial diversity. A former external EGSC adviser, Caroline Daniel, said Prescott's account was personal and did not reflect the full picture, defending the BBC's seriousness about impartiality and the robustness of the committee's internal auditing. Prescott said he did not believe the BBC was institutionally biased but asserted repeated failures to follow up raised issues.

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