The BBC’s Director-General and CEO of News Resign Following Criticism of Trump Speech Editing
The BBC announced on Sunday that both its Director-General, Tim Davie, and head of news, Deborah Turness, have resigned. This decision comes in the wake of criticism regarding the broadcaster’s editing of a speech by President Trump on January 6, 2021, preceding the Capitol attack.
Britain’s public broadcaster faced backlash for its portrayal of the speech in a documentary featured on its high-profile Panorama program. Critics argued that certain segments were edited deceptively, omitting a part where Trump encouraged his supporters to demonstrate peacefully.
In a letter to staff, Davie acknowledged his decision to step down after five years was his alone:
“Overall, the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as director-general I have to take ultimate responsibility.”
He further stated that he is collaborating with the Board to ensure a smooth transition for his successor over the coming months.
Turness also expressed her departure in a letter, emphasizing:
“While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear—recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.”
The pressure on the BBC’s top executives intensified after the Daily Telegraph published excerpts from a dossier compiled by Michael Prescott, who was hired to advise the BBC on standards and guidelines. The dossier criticized various aspects of the BBC’s coverage, including its handling of transgender issues and alleged anti-Israel bias in its Arabic service.
Lisa Nandy, the UK’s Culture Secretary, praised Davie for his “service to public broadcasting over the years” and highlighted his leadership during a period of significant change for the organization. She emphasized the importance of trusted news and high-quality programming in democratic and cultural life, especially given the BBC’s unique position as a publicly funded national institution.