In a major shake-up at the BBC, Director-General Tim Davie announced his resignation after five years in office, admitting that “some mistakes have been made” and that he must “take ultimate responsibility.”
Alongside Davie, Deborah Turness, the Chief Executive of BBC News, also resigned following a media report alleging selective editing of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.
According to international media, the controversy stems from a complaint filed by Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC Editorial Standards Committee, who raised concerns this summer over how segments of Trump’s speech were merged in the 2024 documentary “Trump: A Second Chance?”
The film aired a week before the 2024 U.S. presidential elections and was criticized for being misleading — notably omitting the portion where Trump urged his supporters to “demonstrate peacefully” amid the Capitol unrest.
Tim Davie’s Statement
In his farewell message to BBC staff, Davie — who has served over 20 years at the broadcaster — described his resignation as a “purely personal decision”, while expressing gratitude to the BBC Board for their “unwavering and unanimous support” during his tenure.
“I have reflected deeply on the personal and professional demands of this role. I want to give my successor time to help shape the statutory plans that will soon take effect,” Davie wrote.
He emphasized that the BBC must remain open, transparent, and accountable, especially during times of internal and public scrutiny.
“The BBC has a unique role in helping the United Kingdom remain a tolerant and vibrant nation. While not the only factor, the ongoing debate surrounding BBC News also influenced my decision,” he added.
Davie is currently working with the Board to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
