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BBC Director General, News Chief Resign Over Edited Trump Documentary Scandal
In an unprecedented move, BBC Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness have resigned following widespread criticism that a Panorama documentary misled viewers by editing a speech made by US President Donald Trump.
The scandal erupted after The Telegraph published details of a leaked internal memo showing that the programme had spliced two separate portions of Trump’s January 6, 2021 speech together, making it appear as though he directly encouraged the Capitol Hill riot. The two clips were originally more than 50 minutes apart.
In Trump’s speech in Washington DC on 6 January 2021, he said: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women.”
However, in the Panorama edit he was shown saying: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol… and I’ll be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell.”
Davie, who had led the BBC for five years, said the controversy had “understandably contributed” to his decision to step down, though it was “not the only reason.” He acknowledged that the broadcaster had made “mistakes” and that, as director general, he had to take ultimate responsibility.
“Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect. We must always be open, transparent, and accountable,” Davie said.
Turness, who has served as CEO of News and Current Affairs for three years, also resigned, stating that the Panorama episode had “reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC.”
“In public life, leaders need to be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down,” she said, adding that allegations of institutional bias within BBC News were “wrong.”
Their resignations came on the eve of a parliamentary appearance by BBC chairman Samir Shah, who was expected to apologise for the way Trump’s speech was edited. Shah called the dual departures “a sad day for the BBC” and expressed full support for Davie’s tenure.
The internal memo, written by former BBC adviser Michael Prescott, not only highlighted the Panorama incident but also raised broader concerns about “systemic problems” of bias within the organisation — from coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict to reporting on trans issues.
The White House branded the corporation “100% fake news,” while Trump welcomed the resignations, claiming BBC executives were “caught doctoring my very good (PERFECT!) speech.” He accused the broadcaster of attempting to “step on the scales of a Presidential Election.”
The controversy adds to a string of recent editorial crises at the BBC — including complaints about impartiality, failures to disclose conflicts of interest, and breaches of guidelines on harm and offence.
Media figures and politicians across the spectrum reacted swiftly.
Former BBC executive Roger Mosey said the Trump edit “doesn’t seem defensible,” while Channel 4’s Dorothy Byrne described the delay in issuing an apology as “inordinate.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy thanked Davie for his service, describing him as a steady hand during “a period of significant change,” while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the resignations were “right but not enough,” insisting that “serious failures run far deeper.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged the BBC to “turn a new leaf,” while Nigel Farage called for “wholesale change” in leadership.
Davie, who has worked with the BBC for over two decades, said the timing of his departure would allow for an “orderly transition” and give his successor the opportunity to shape the next Royal Charter, which governs the BBC’s funding and regulation, before its renewal in 2027.
As Britain’s national broadcaster faces one of its most turbulent moments in years, the challenge for its next leadership will be restoring public trust, political balance, and journalistic credibility amid mounting scrutiny at home and abroad.
