BBC Breakfast viewers blast 'car crash' Tim Davie clash as Munchetty and Stayt grill boss on bias: 'What a S***-SHOW!'

Elsewhere, the survey revealed that only 51 percent of those taking part felt that the BBC effectively reflected different parts of the UK. Other results include 91 percent emphasising the importance of the BBC's independence and 43 percent countering that it is currently effective.

The key takeaways from the survey were put to Mr Davie during Thursday's BBC Breakfast, in which a rather frosty encounter with two of the corporation's best-paid presenters ensued.

"Almost four in 10 people think the BBC is ineffective in being independent from the government. Only half believe it reflects different parts of the UK," Mr Stayt said at the top of the interview, which prompted Ms Munchetty to add: "So who do we talk about this with? We talk about this with the boss."

Following the introductions, Mr Davie kicked things off by insisting the overall findings of the survey "were positive" and needed "context".

However, in the first of a series of frosty back-and-forths, Mr Davie then said the survey was from the feedback of 871,000 people, to which Ms Munchetty chipped in: "872,000."

Mr Davie shrugged off the correction with a smirk, before adding: "Most people really care about the BBC, they think we need to be there informing, educating, entertaining, doing the kind of journalism you're doing."

Addressing the points made at the top of the segment, Mr Davie insisted the corporation is "listening". Mr Stayt then interjected to insist he "hadn't agreed any questions with" the BBC director-general and that he wasn't aware of any of the probes coming his way.

"Exactly, I might have views about how you start with a couple of negative figures. That's the process," Mr Davie replied in yet another loaded moment.

Mr Stayt returned to the figures at the beginning of the interview. "Do you think people think that the prime minister is in your ear, telling you what to do? When you hear that phrase, 'not independent from government', what do you think that means in practice?"

Mr Davie replied: "I think people are worried about the independence of a public service broadcast. By the way, on a global -"

Mr Stayt cut in: "Help us with that. On a practical note, when I ask that question, and being open about it, do people think when your phone rings and there's a member of the government on it and you go, 'Uh-oh!' and you're in their pocket. Do you think that's what that thought process is?"

Mr Davie floundered as he repeated that it is what people worry about, but returned to his point about the global press and how several countries don't have the freedoms of the press we do in the UK.

"I'm not sure you've answered the question," Mr Stayt pointed out, to which Mr Davie replied: "Sorry, the direct answer to your question is yes, that's what people worry about. They worry is the BBC is being unduly influenced."

When put on the spot about whether the BBC is indeed being "unduly influenced", Mr Davie insisted: "Absolutely not."

He added it was "sacrosanct" to be independent. Ms Munchetty then cut in to put a hypothetical scenario to Mr Davie of a government official from anywhere in the globe calling him to express disappointment in an editorial decision.

"We listen to it, of course we listen to it, but we're not reacting to one lobby or the other," Mr Davie replied, before suggesting that if there were any inaccuracies or misinformation behind a complaint, they'd be investigated.

Mr Davie also insisted that everyone in the newsroom adheres to the corporation's strict editorial guidelines, "without fear or favour". He did acknowledge that the "BBC should be held to account".

But Ms Munchetty pressed Mr Davie again to give a concrete answer on how he can relay to viewers that the BBC is completely independent from government, and what processes are in place to ensure that.

Once again, Mr Davie merely "reassured" viewers of the corporation's independence from government, called it "valid" that people had concerns, but avoided delving into the specifics on what the process would be if a government official attempted to influence the organisation.

The conversation soon moved on, with Mr Davie facing questions about the licence fee model and its sustainability and funding challenges in the future.

During that particular topic, Mr Davie claimed it was correct for the law to be enforced on those avoiding paying. "If people are evading the licence fee, it should be enforced. I support the current system, yes," he said.

"This is why we really need to go into the charter with an open mind and say, what’s the right enforcement?

"I do think for the vast majority of people watching, who we’re there to serve, and this is what we get when we talk to people, they’ll say, we must make sure that actually those people who should be paying, are paying. That’s fair."

Speaking about the most difficult thing the corporation has had to deal with during his tenure, Mr Davie later said: "I actually think the BBC’s choice to maintain impartiality in a world that is so polarised. It’s weaponised, we’ve got lobbies everywhere, it’s absolutely everyone trying to ascribe an agenda.

"If you make mistakes, it can impact trust, and I worry about that. What it doesn’t indicate necessarily is systemic bias or failure across the organisation.

"I am very proud of what we’re doing as a BBC. We’re still very relevant, despite all the competition. We’re doing good work."

And regarding his own position at the corporation, he went on: "There are moments when you go in public life, in terms of the pressures you get, that are very, very significant. I’ve never doubted the need for the BBC, my personal passion for it, the fact that I love leading this organisation.

"I think we should all together be fighting for what is a unique British asset. And personally, I’ve never doubted that I should be doing that job. I want it. I can decide a lot of things in this job.

"The one thing I can’t decide is, I’m not in charge of whether I’m in this job, so the powers are limited. This was about listening to the people we serve and also being accountable, and building trust.

"We’re not perfect, and we need to keep improving. And that’s what the charter is about. And I’m excited by it."

Mr Davie's responses and the rather tense manner of the interview caused a major reaction among viewers at home, with several flocked to social media with their thoughts.

"Listening to Tim Davie on #BBCBreakfast and he's just talking gobbledygook," one X user fumed. "He's making no sense, but talking a lot - quickly, randomly, and continually going off point."

A second raged: "#Bbcbreakfast this interview with Tim Davie is an absolute car crash. If I didn't have concerns about BBC impartiality before, I do now."

"The BBC interviewing itself...Like it's North Korea TV. #r4today #bbcbreakfast," a third sarcastically put, before a fourth weighed in: "Tim Davie. Any chance of answering a question? #bbcbreakfast."

Elsewhere, a fifth claimed: "BBC DG just said: 'pursue truth with no agenda'. Sorry, that’s not being practiced especially with political news. BBC does have an agenda….especially in the 10-15 years #bbcbreakfast."

And a sixth had a complaint of a different nature: "FFS the head of the BBC rocks up in a suit and scruffy white trainers! Says it all really. #BBCBreakfast."

Elsewhere, others spotted the chance to mock Ms Munchetty and Mr Stayt for their stern questioning of their boss.

"Naga and Charlie getting the sack after this #bbcbreakfast," a seventh viewer mocked before another echoed: "Naga & Charlie gonna be looking for a new job at 9:30!! #bbcbreakfast." (sic)