BBC viewers worried about political interference, boss says

"More than 870,000 members of the public answered questions online about the BBC and its place in society. Fewer than half - 43% - said they thought the corporation was effective at being independent from government, while 38% thought it was ineffective. "Yes, that is what people worry about," Mr Davie told BBC Breakfast. "They worry about, is the BBC being unduly influenced?" Of the respondents, 91% said it was important for the BBC to be independent from the government of the day."

"Mr Davie said the BBC is "absolutely not" unduly influenced by the government, and that the corporation's independence is "absolutely sacrosanct". "I can reassure everyone we are independent editorially. We absolutely act without fear or favour," he said. Asked about instances when government ministers call him to complain about the BBC's output, he said: "Very, very rarely will somebody call me on an editorial issue, because broadly speaking, it is respected that we have editorial independence.""

"The BBC invited audience members to have their say in a series of on-air promotions across TV and radio. It also sent emails to 40 million BBC account holders. The results of the Our BBC, Our Future questionnaire come after the relationship between the BBC and the government has been in the spotlight. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy appeared to call for Mr Davie's resignation this summer after a string of scandals,"

More than 870,000 members of the public responded to a BBC questionnaire about its role and independence. Forty-three percent judged the corporation effective at being independent from government, while 38% judged it ineffective. Ninety-one percent rated independence from the government of the day as important. The BBC characterized itself as not unduly influenced by government, calling its independence 'absolutely sacrosanct' and asserting editorial independence and impartiality. Incidents including on‑air controversies and a Gaza documentary narration raised relations with government and prompted scrutiny. The questionnaire was promoted on TV and radio and emails were sent to 40 million account holders.

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