BBC Director-General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness have resigned from their positions.
Their departures follow criticism surrounding a recent Panorama documentary, which has been accused of deceptively editing a speech by former US President Donald Trump, potentially misrepresenting his remarks regarding the January 6th Capitol attack.
In internal communications to staff, both Davie and Turness acknowledged that errors had been made.
Tim Davie assumed the role of Director-General of the BBC in September 2020. His responsibilities included oversight of all BBC services, serving as the corporation’s editorial, operational, and creative leader.
Davie was not a newcomer to the BBC, having previously served as Chief Executive of BBC Studios for seven years.
Prior to his tenure at the BBC, Davie held positions at prominent organizations such as Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo.
Deborah Turness had been the CEO of BBC News since 2022, responsible for overseeing BBC News and current affairs programming.
In her capacity as CEO, she managed a team of approximately 6,000 individuals, broadcasting to nearly half a billion people globally in over 40 languages.
Turness previously served as CEO of ITN and as President of NBC News starting in 2013.
The resignations are linked to the controversy surrounding the Panorama documentary, “Trump: A Second Chance?”, which aired last year.
In her statement, Turness explained: “The ongoing controversy surrounding the Panorama program on President Trump has escalated to a point where it is damaging the BBC – an institution I deeply value.”
“As the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, I accept ultimate responsibility, and I made the decision to tender my resignation to the Director-General last night.”
She further stated: “While mistakes have been made, I want to emphatically state that recent allegations of institutional bias within BBC News are unfounded.”
Davie’s statement did not directly address the Panorama documentary, but he noted: “While not the sole factor, the current discourse surrounding BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision.”
“Overall, the BBC is performing well, but errors have occurred, and as Director-General, I must ultimately bear responsibility.”
Last week, The Daily Telegraph published an exclusive report, citing a leaked internal BBC memo.
The memo originated from Michael Prescott, a former independent external advisor to the broadcaster’s editorial standards committee, who departed from his role in June.
The memo alleged that the one-hour Panorama documentary selectively edited segments of Trump’s speech to create the impression that he explicitly encouraged the Capitol Hill riots of January 2021.
In his speech in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021, Trump stated: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women.”
However, the Panorama edit presented him as saying: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol… and I’ll be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell.”
The two segments of the speech that were spliced together were separated by more than 50 minutes.
The phrase “fight like hell” was extracted from a portion of the speech where Trump discussed alleged “corrupt” US elections. In total, he used the words “fight” or “fighting” 20 times during the speech.
According to The Telegraph, the document asserted that Panorama’s “distortion of the day’s events” would prompt viewers to question: “Why should the BBC be trusted, and where will this all end?”
The memo further claimed that when the issue was raised with managers, they “refused to accept there had been a breach of standards.”
The BBC has faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks due to several other issues.
The Telegraph also reported that Mr. Prescott voiced concerns regarding a perceived lack of action to address “systemic problems” of anti-Israel bias in the BBC Arabic news service’s coverage of the Gaza conflict.
The report additionally indicated that Mr. Prescott had raised concerns regarding the BBC’s coverage of transgender issues.
Furthermore, on Thursday, the BBC upheld 20 impartiality complaints concerning presenter Martine Croxall’s alteration of a script during a live broadcast on the BBC News Channel earlier this year, which referred to “pregnant people.”
Tim Davie navigated numerous scandals and crises during his five-year tenure as Director-General, including the Gary Lineker controversy, Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury, the “Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone” documentary, and the misconduct of several high-profile presenters.
Davie was sometimes referred to as “Teflon Tim” within the media due to his apparent ability to withstand controversy.
He initially attempted to weather the latest controversy, but its momentum has increased, and the BBC was reportedly preparing to issue an apology regarding the Panorama documentary.
This development coincides with a sensitive period for the BBC, as the government is scheduled to review the corporation’s Royal Charter – which grants it the right to operate – before its current term expires in 2027.
In his statement, Davie posed the question: “Why now, why this moment?”
He emphasized his deep commitment to the BBC and his desire for its continued success.
“That is why I want to create the best conditions and space for a new DG to come in and positively shape the next Royal Charter. I hope that as we move forward, a sensible, calm and rational public conversation can take place about the next chapter of the BBC.”
He added: “This timing allows a new DG to help shape the next Charter. I believe we are in a strong position to deliver growth.”
The Director-General is appointed by the BBC Board, which is responsible for ensuring that the corporation fulfills its mission and public service obligations.
The BBC Board is chaired by Samir Shah and comprises 10 non-executive members and four executive members, including the Director-General.
The selection process for Tim Davie’s appointment in 2020 was overseen by the BBC Board’s nominations committee.
The Director-General’s appointment is governed by the terms of the BBC’s Charter.
Tim Davie and Deborah Turness resign after criticism that Panorama misled viewers with an edit of a speech by Donald Trump.
The broadcaster’s chair is set to issue a response to a parliamentary committee regarding claims that a Panorama documentary misled viewers.
If ITV sells its broadcasting business to Sky, it would have profound implications for British broadcasting.
Once a production powerhouse, producer and writer Steven Knight wants to put the city back on the map.
Sir Michael Palin will be discussing his friendship with former co-star Terry Jones in Reading.