And the under-fire boss declared: “We are absolutely driven by a passion for impartiality.”
With the broadcaster reeling as it was forced to scrap its football coverage yesterday, Mr Davie said there was no political agenda in the decision to withdraw Lineker from presenting Match Of The Day.
He said: “We made decisions, and I made decisions, based on a real passion about what the BBC is and it’s difficult.
“It’s this balance between free speech and impartiality.
“I honestly do not believe, despite a lot of the commentary, that this is about left or right – it’s about our ability.
“We are fierce champions of democratic debate, free speech, but with that comes the need to create an impartial organisation.”
Asked if he had buckled under pressure from the Government and right-wing press, Mr Davie said: “Absolutely not.”
He denied the former England captain was targeted because his tweets criticised the Government.
Towards the end of last year the presenter had attacked Qatar over its human rights record when the Arab state was about to stage the World Cup and was not held to account by the corporation.
Mr Davie said: “This is nothing to do with the specifics of where a tweet is sent.
“It’s about getting involved in party political matters.”
Mr Davie admitted it had been a “difficult day” but said he would not be resigning.
He said: “I’m sorry audiences have been affected and they haven’t got the programming.
“As a keen sports fan I know to miss programming is a real blow and I’m sorry about that.
Denne historien er fra March 12, 2023-utgaven av Sunday Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 12, 2023-utgaven av Sunday Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'ENGLAND MUST NAIL MASTER PLAN TO TOPPLE ALLBLACKS'
ELLIOT DALY has revealed the master plan to beat the All Blacks at Twickenham next weekend - and he should know what it is.
TEN HAG STILL ON TIGHTROPE
IF Erik ten Hag needs an opinion on how ruthless Sir Jim Ratcliffe is then he should give Fergie a call.
Tables turned as O'Neil inspires a last-gasp revival
IT was not the maiden win Wolves craved but this felt as good as any victory.
My hospital patients have no idea I write Hollywood blockbusters on days off
SHE IS one of America's bestselling authors with a host of celebrity fans such as Victoria Beckham and Michelle Keegan, both of whom have been spotted reading her novels.
Family plead with killer to reveal where mum hidden
THE killer of Sarah Wellgreen should reveal where he hid her body to give her family closure six years after she disappeared.
'I've found Lucan hiding in Australia'
THE SON of Lord Lucan's murder victim Sandra Rivett believes he has finally tracke( down the fugitive aristocrat in Australia - and will name him for the first time on TV Neil Berriman tells how he is convinced he has cracked one of British history's biggest murder mysteries in a new BBC three-part documentary, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the crime.
Outspoken Haigh and Lammy set for chop in reshuffle
LABOUR insiders are braced for a post-Christmas reshuffle as the Prime Minister relaunches his Government following the resignation of Sue Gray.
Jezza: m not allowed fun after heart op
FORMER Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson says he's \"not allowed to have fun any more\" after heart surgery.
Jenrick calls for school fees VAT relief for 'brave' Armed Forces
TORY leadership candidate Robert Jenrick made a late plea to force families to be spared VAT on school fees.
Kemi: Right leader could kick Keir out in one term
KEMI Badenoch is entering the Conservative leadership race's last week with a plea for Tory voters who backed Reform UK to \"come home\".
