BBC 'sexual abuse' crisis deepens as PM David Cameron demands answers

Pressure on the BBC to address allegations its bosses covered up – sexual abuse claims levelled at one of its former TV stars – mounted on Monday after British Prime Minister David Cameron said the broadcaster had serious questions to answer.

The premier's intervention came as the editor of the internationally renowned media organisation's flagship Newsnight show stepped aside after admitting he had given an inaccurate account of why the BBC had axed its own expose of the alleged abuse of underage girls by the late Jimmy Savile.

These are serious questions. They need to be answered, Cameron said of the cover-up allegations.

The scandal has engulfed the BBC at a time when it remains under pressure from its critics - which include much of the conservative media - who have queried whether it should still be funded via an annual licence fee paid by the public.

Critics, most notably media magnate Rupert Murdoch's son James, have said the licence fee gives the BBC an unfair edge over private competitors. The BBC is already cutting its workforce and output after Cameron's government imposed deep spending cuts and any loss of public trust could prove an issue in future discussions over funding and the licence fee.

While Savile, who died last year, was little known beyond Britain, the eccentric, cigar-chomping one-time DJ was one of the most recognised TV personalities on British television in the 1970s and 80s, hosting prime-time children's and pop shows.

But Savile, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his charity work and was famous for his garish outfits and long blonde hair, is now accused of raping and abusing girls as young as 12, some on BBC premises at the height of his fame.

Critics argue that the BBC covered up his alleged crimes which police say took place over six decades and were on an unprecedented scale.

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