BBC Shocker! Director General & News Chief Quit Amid Donald Trump Scandal

Tim Davie has dramatically quit as the BBC director general. The British national broadcaster’s news chief Deborah Turness has also resigned amid a scandal involving edited footage of Donald Trump.

The BBC announced that the duo would be vacating their roles on Sunday evening, in news that will send shockwaves through the UK media industry. Deadline is told that Davie and Turness’ resignations were personal decisions, and they were not shown the door by Samir Shah, the corporation’s chairman. Davie will remain in post while a successor is recruited.

In an email to staff (full text below), 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. 

He added: “I have been reflecting on the very intense personal and professional demands of managing this role over many years in these febrile times, combined with the fact that I want to give a successor time to help shape the charter plans they will be delivering.”

Davie has worked at the BBC for 20 years, the past five of which as director general. He was expected to stay in the job, the biggest in British television, at least until the corporation renewed its operating agreement, known as its royal charter, by the end of 2027.

The bombshell comes after the BBC was accused of selectively editing Trump‘s January 6 speech to make it appear as if the U.S. president was encouraging the 2021 Capitol riot.

The concerns originated in an excoriating leaked memo attacking BBC News output, including Gaza coverage and reporting on trans rights. Obtained by The Daily Telegraph, the document was penned by Michael Prescott, who was an external adviser to the BBC board’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee until June.

The Trump issue, described as “purposefully dishonest” fake news by the White House, was the final straw rather than the main reason for Davie’s decision.

He has endured a bruising year after a series of scandals, including the Greg Wallace MasterChef misconduct crisis; live streaming Glastonbury act Bob Vylan chanting “death to the IDF;” and broadcasting documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, without declaring it was narrated by the child of a Hamas minister. At one point over the summer, culture secretary Lisa Nandy openly questioned Davie’s leadership.

The Trump edit and Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone scandal have taken place on the watch of BBC News chief Turness. The former NBC News executive has worked at the BBC for three years.

She told staff: “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 last night.”

She continued: “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 recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.

“In a polarised 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.”

BBC chair Samir Shah said: “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 humour 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.”

Nandy, the culture secretary, added: “I want to thank Tim Davie for his service to public service broadcasting over many years. He has led the BBC through a period of significant change and helped the organisation to grip the challenges it has faced in recent years.

“The BBC is one of our most important national institutions. Every day, it tells the story of who we are – the people, places and communities that make up life across the UK. Now more than ever, the need for trusted news and high-quality programming is essential to our democratic and cultural life, and our place in the world.”

Tim Davie’s Full Email To Staff

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. 
 
I am working through exact timings with the Board to allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months.
 
I have been reflecting on the very intense personal and professional demands of managing this role over many years in these febrile times, combined with the fact that I want to give a successor time to help shape the Charter plans they will be delivering.  
 
In these increasingly polarised times, the BBC is of unique value and speaks to the very best of us. It helps make the UK a special place; overwhelmingly kind, tolerant and curious. Like all public organisations, 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 organisation is a critical ingredient of a healthy society, as well as a thriving creative sector.  We should champion it, not weaponise it.  
 
Despite a hugely competitive market, I am proud that the BBC remains the most trusted news brand globally. We have continued to ensure that it is used by almost everyone in the UK as well as hundreds of millions of people globally.  Despite the inevitable issues and challenges, our journalism and quality content continues to be admired as a gold standard. Our transition to a digital organisation has been deeply impressive, and our thriving commercial businesses are admired globally. Also, our work together on ensuring that we have the right culture has been important and motivating.  I could not be more impressed by what you are achieving. 
 
You will ask why now, why this moment? 
 
I am BBC through and through, having spent the last 20 years of my life working for this organisation as Director of Marketing, Communications and Audiences, Director of Audio and Music, acting Director-General and Chief Executive of BBC Studios. I care deeply about it and want it to succeed. That is why I want to create the best conditions and space for a new DG to come in and positively shape the next Royal Charter. I hope that as we move forward, a sensible, calm and rational public conversation can take place about the next chapter of the BBC. 
 
This timing allows a new DG to help shape the next Charter. I believe we are in a strong position to deliver growth. 

Thank you again, it has been a wonderful ride, which I have loved. I count myself very lucky to have served as DG no.17. I will have a proper chance to see many of you before I go but I have been incredibly proud to lead the BBC as DG for over five years. It is a precious UK institution and you are a world-class team. Thank you all for the tireless support and friendship. 
 
I will always be a passionate cheerleader for civilised society, a strong BBC and a thriving UK. 
 
Best wishes,

Tim