BBC’s Tim Davie, Deborah Turness Resign

Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, and Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News, have resigned following accusations of misleadingly editing a speech by Donald Trump in a BBC Panorama documentary about the Capitol Hill riots on January 6, 2021.

The resignations come days after The Telegraph leaked an internal memo arguing that the documentary purposely edited two parts of Trump’s speech to make it seem that he explicitly encouraged the riots on Capitol Hill.

In a letter to BBC staff, Davie said, “I wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years. This is entirely my decision, and I remain very thankful to the chair and board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days.”

“In these increasingly polarized times, the BBC is of unique value and speaks to the very best of us,” Davie continued. “It helps make the U.K. a special place; overwhelmingly kind, tolerant and curious. Like all public organizations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable. 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 there have been some mistakes made, and as director-general, I have to take ultimate responsibility. Our organization is a critical ingredient of a healthy society, as well as a thriving creative sector. We should champion it, not weaponized it.”

Turness, in a letter to BBC News staff, said, “I have never been more proud of the work that you do every day. You really are the best of the best. I have taken the difficult decision that it will no longer be my role to lead you in the collective vision that we all have: to pursue the truth with no agenda. The ongoing controversy around the Panorama on President Trump has reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC—an institution that I love. As the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, the buck stops with me—and I took the decision to offer my resignation to the director-general.

“In public life, leaders need to be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down. While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear [that] recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong. In a polarized world, BBC News journalism is more vital than ever, and I could not be prouder of the work that you do. Together, we have bucked the global trend to grow trust in BBC News, and I want to thank you, wherever you are in the world, for your courageous work to deliver that. My plea to you: please keep the courage to continue our mission. I’m only sorry that I won’t be there to lead and champion your brilliant journalism.”

BBC Chairman Samir Shah commented, “This is a sad day for the BBC. Tim has been an outstanding director-general for the last five years. He has propelled the BBC forward with determination, single-mindedness and foresight. He has had the full support of me and the board throughout. However, I understand the continued pressure on him, personally and professionally, which has led him to take this decision today. The whole board respects the decision and the reasons for it.

“Tim has given 20 years of his life to the BBC. He is a devoted and inspirational leader and an absolute believer in the BBC and public-service broadcasting. He has achieved a great deal. Foremost, under his tenure, the transformation of the BBC to meet the challenges in a world of unprecedented change and competition is well underway. Personally, I will miss his stamina, good humor and resilience, and I will miss working with him. I wish him and his family the very best for the future. This is an important time for the corporation and the board, and I will continue to work with Tim in the interim while we conduct the process to appoint his successor.”

On Turness’s resignation, Shah said, “I want to thank Deborah for her leadership of BBC News over the past three years. She has transformed the operation of News with real commitment and a clear vision of the future. She has acted with integrity in challenging circumstances and leaves a strong legacy from which to build for the many millions around the world who rely on and trust the voice of BBC News every day.”