The BBC’s Director General, Tim Davie, and Head of News, Deborah Turness, have both resigned following mounting criticism over a Panorama documentary that allegedly misled viewers by editing a Donald Trump speech about the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
The resignations, announced late Sunday, mark an unprecedented moment in the broadcaster’s history, as both its top executives step down simultaneously.
According to a report by The Telegraph, a leaked internal BBC memo revealed that the Panorama team had spliced together two separate portions of Trump’s speech, originally delivered more than 50 minutes apart, to make it appear as though the former U.S. president had explicitly encouraged the riot.
UK political leaders expressed hope that the resignations would restore trust in the corporation, while Trump himself welcomed the move, accusing the BBC of “doctoring” his “perfect” speech.
In his resignation statement, Davie said:
“While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision. Overall the BBC is delivering well, but mistakes have been made, and as Director General I have to take ultimate responsibility.”
Turness, who has served as CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs for three years, said the controversy had reached a point where it was “causing damage” to the institution.
“In public life, leaders need to be fully accountable. That is why I am stepping down,” she said, rejecting claims that BBC News is “institutionally biased.”
The leaked memo, authored by former BBC editorial adviser Michael Prescott, also raised alarms about “systemic problems” in the corporation’s coverage, including BBC Arabic’s reporting on the Israel-Gaza war and internal tensions over transgender issues.
The revelations triggered widespread backlash, with critics, including the White House, accusing the BBC of spreading “fake news.”
BBC chairman Samir Shah described the resignations as a “sad day” for the organisation, acknowledging the “continued personal and professional pressure” on Davie and Turness. He is expected to appear before Parliament on Monday to issue an official apology.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised Davie’s leadership but stressed that the scandal should be a turning point for the BBC as it reviews its Royal Charter ahead of its 2027 renewal.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the broadcaster must prove it can “demonstrate true impartiality,” while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the BBC to “turn a new leaf.”
Davie, who led the BBC for five years, will oversee an orderly transition to a new director general in the coming months. Turness, formerly head of ITN and NBC News International, leaves amid growing public scrutiny over the BBC’s editorial integrity and impartiality.
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