BBC Director-General Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness have resigned, amid backlash over the editing of a Donald Trump speech in a 2024 documentary that critics say misled viewers.
The controversy stemmed from a BBC Panorama program, “Trump: A Second Chance?”, which was accused of splicing parts of Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021, speech in a way that omitted his call for supporters to protest peacefully. The edit allegedly made it appear that Trump urged the crowd to “fight like hell,” by merging quotes delivered nearly an hour apart.
An internal report and leaked memo highlighted the issue, sparking criticism of BBC editorial standards.
Davie, who led the broadcaster for five years, said in a letter to staff that his decision to step down was “entirely my decision.” He added, “There have been some mistakes made and as director-general I have to take ultimate responsibility.”
Turness said the controversy had “reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC — an institution that I love,” adding that “the buck stops with me.” She denied claims of institutional bias but admitted “mistakes had been made.”
The resignations come as the BBC faces broader scrutiny over its coverage of the Gaza conflict and transgender issues. Chairman Samir Shah is expected to address Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Monday.
