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BBC Director-General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness Resign Over Panorama Trump Edit Controversy

The exits follow a leaked standards memo alleging a misleading Jan. 6 edit alongside wider impartiality concerns.

Overview

  • Both executives said they were taking ultimate responsibility, with Davie calling the move his decision and pledging an orderly transition with the BBC board.
  • The row centers on a Panorama episode that spliced parts of President Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021 remarks, omitting a line urging supporters to protest peacefully.
  • The leaked dossier, compiled by former standards adviser Michael Prescott, also cited concerns about coverage of transgender issues and alleged anti-Israel bias in BBC Arabic.
  • President Trump cheered the departures on Truth Social, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt amplified criticism of the broadcaster as “fake news.”
  • Regulatory and parliamentary scrutiny is underway, with Ofcom inquiries and questions for the BBC’s leadership as the corporation navigates governance and impartiality obligations under its charter.