BBC director-general and news CEO resign over documentary editing scandal
Tim Davie, the Director-General of the BBC, and Deborah Turness, the CEO of BBC News, have resigned following intense criticism that a BBC Panorama documentary misleadingly edited a speech by President Donald Trump regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol events. An independent review confirmed that the documentary fabricated the impression that the former president was urging protesters to attack the US Congress, prompting the leadership to take final responsibility for the journalistic failures.
The Director-General of the BBC, Tim Davie, and the CEO of BBC News, Deborah Turness, resigned this evening, according to the British broadcaster itself. The resignations follow widespread criticism after a BBC Panorama documentary about the January 6, 2021, Capitol events was found to have misleadingly edited a speech by President Donald Trump.
The scandal erupted in the British media in recent weeks when a report revealed that BBC consultants had warned the public broadcaster was violating minimal journalistic rules concerning its coverage of Donald Trump. The controversy highlighted how the BBC documentary edited Trump's statement by joining two sentences spoken minutes apart, creating the impression that the former US President was urging protesters to attack the US Congress.
An independent verification of the documentary confirmed that the original speech of Donald Trump showed the exact opposite. The manipulative editing of the speech was not the only striking irregularity in the documentary, and it was revealed that the BBC leadership had long concealed the situation despite receiving internal reports.
Statements on the Decision
Tim Davie provided comments after his resignation, stating that leaving the BBC after 20 years was entirely his personal decision.
"There have been some mistakes," Davie said in his resignation statement. He expressed gratitude to the BBC Chairman and the Board of Governors for their unwavering support throughout his tenure, including during the final days.
Davie reflected on the intense personal and professional demands of managing the role during "these febrile times," adding that he wanted to allow a successor time to shape their future plans. He noted that while the current debate around BBC News was not the sole reason, it naturally contributed to his decision.
"Overall, the BBC is doing well, but some mistakes have been made, and as Director-General, I must take final responsibility," Davie stated.
Board Respects the Decision
The Chairman of the BBC, Samir Shah, expressed sincere gratitude to both Tim Davie and Deborah Turness for their "service and unwavering commitment to the BBC," calling it a sad day for the organization.
Shah acknowledged that he understands the "continuous pressure, both personal and professional," that led Davie to make his decision. The entire Board of Governors respects the decision and the reasons behind it, adding that Davie is a "devoted and inspirational" person who "achieved a great deal."
