BBC Chief resigns amid Trump Documentary controversy

The director-general of the BBC, Tim Davie, stepped down on Sunday following a controversy over the editing of a documentary about US President Donald Trump. Deborah Turness, the broadcaster’s head of news, also resigned amid the fallout.

The resignations came after allegations that the BBC’s flagship Panorama programme had misleadingly edited Trump’s January 6, 2021 speech. The edit suggested Trump told supporters he would “walk to the US Capitol with them and fight like hell,” whereas in the unedited clip he had said he would walk with them “and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women.” At the time, Trump was disputing the election victory of Joe Biden.

In a statement, Davie said: “Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable… I have to take ultimate responsibility.”

UK Culture, Media and Sport Minister Lisa Nandy described the allegations as “incredibly serious,” highlighting concerns about editorial standards and possible systemic bias at the BBC. She noted inconsistencies in how the broadcaster reports on sensitive issues, including coverage of Israel, Gaza, and President Trump.

The incident follows earlier editorial controversies, including the “Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone” documentary, which led to a sanction from the UK media watchdog for a “materially misleading” programme.

The BBC has pledged a full response to the UK parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Monday.