Previous British Broadcasting Corporation Advisers Face Members of Parliament's Inquiry In the Wake of Assertions of Bias in Disclosed Memorandum
We start with inquiries from Tory Member of Parliament the panel's head, that chairs the panel.
She initiates by giving context to the unauthorized memo written by Michael Prescott and released in a national newspaper.
"It is not my wish for the BBC leaning toward one side or the other, My only wish is for it neutral, unbiased and fair," he says.
Upon being questioned whether he thinks the BBC is institutionally biased, Prescott replies: "No, I do not. To be clear, tons of stuff the BBC produces is exceptional - both factual and non-factual content."
But he adds: "There remains substantial tasks that requires attention at the British Broadcasting Corporation."
The second former external BBC specialist interviewed by the committee, Caroline Daniel, says she views the BBC very seriously and that it operates a "ongoing system and active debate" regarding dynamic and complex subjects.
"Was the BBC ready to have a thorough discussion and argument and act accordingly?" she questions. "In my view, yes they were."