BBC Director General Tim Davie, News Chief Deborah Turness Resign Over Trump Speech Controversy

BBC Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness have resigned following criticism over a Panorama documentary that edited former U.S. President Donald Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech. Both acknowledged in emails to staff that mistakes had been made.

The one-hour programme, “Trump: A Second Chance?”, aired on 28 October 2024, shortly before the U.S. presidential election. A leaked internal memo, published by the Telegraph, revealed that the documentary combined parts of Trump’s speech that were over 50 minutes apart, making it appear he was directly urging supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol.

BBC Chair Samir Shah apologised for the “error of judgement,” noting the edit could give viewers the impression of a direct call to violence. The issue has prompted more than 500 complaints, Shah said.

The memo, authored by former external adviser Michael Prescott, also criticised the BBC’s reporting on trans issues and BBC Arabic’s coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Trump responded to the resignations with a statement calling the BBC’s actions “dishonest” and sent a legal letter threatening $1 billion in damages unless the broadcaster issues a full retraction, apology, and compensation. The BBC has until 14 November to respond.

Tim Davie, earning £540,000–£544,999, oversaw the corporation’s editorial and operational leadership since 2020. Deborah Turness, with a salary between £430,000–£434,999, had led BBC News since 2022, managing a global news team of 6,000 broadcasting in over 40 languages.

The resignations mark a significant moment of accountability for the BBC as it faces renewed scrutiny over impartiality and editorial standards.