The BBC’s Director General Tim Davie and its Head of News Deborah Turness resigned on Sunday following mounting criticism over allegations of editorial bias, including controversy surrounding an edited segment of a documentary on U.S. President Donald Trump.
The resignations come after a leaked internal report by a former BBC standards adviser accused the broadcaster of failing to uphold impartiality in its coverage of several sensitive issues, including the Israel-Hamas war, transgender rights, and a speech made by Trump.
The report, published by The Daily Telegraph, ignited a wave of criticism from across the political spectrum and reignited debate over the BBC’s credibility and funding model.
In a statement, Davie, who has led the BBC since 2020, defended the corporation’s record but said he must take “ultimate responsibility.” “The BBC remains a global gold standard for journalism,” he said, “but mistakes have been made.” Davie will remain in post for several months while a successor is chosen.
Turness, CEO of BBC News, also announced her resignation in an email to staff, rejecting claims that the network was institutionally biased. “I want to be absolutely clear: recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong,” she wrote.
The controversy intensified after revelations that Panorama, the BBC’s flagship investigative program, had edited two parts of a 2021 Trump speech together, creating the impression that he was urging supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol. In reality, Trump had urged them to “cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women.”
Trump, reacting on his social media platform on Sunday, called the resignations “a great victory for truth,” accusing the two executives of trying to influence a U.S. presidential election.
“They are from a foreign country, one that many consider our Number One Ally. What a terrible thing for Democracy!” he posted.
Despite its international reputation, the BBC has faced growing scrutiny at home. Funded by a mandatory licence fee, it has long been a target for critics who accuse it of political bias.
The leaked report alleged anti-Israel bias in BBC Arabic’s reporting of the Gaza conflict and said internal resistance had blocked coverage of a group advocating for single-sex spaces, which some staff saw as transphobic.
The corporation has also weathered several scandals in recent years — including the suspension of sports presenter Gary Lineker over criticism of government immigration policy, and outrage over its decision to air a performance at Glastonbury featuring anti-Israel chants.
Earlier this year, it withdrew a Gaza documentary amid concerns about the involvement of a Hamas official’s relative.
British Culture Minister Lisa Nandy thanked Davie for his service, saying he had led the broadcaster “through a period of significant change.”
A BBC insider told Reuters the board was “stunned” by the timing of his decision, noting that the broadcaster faces a crucial negotiation with the government in 2027 over its next Royal Charter, which secures its funding.
BBC Chairman Samir Shah is expected to appear before lawmakers on Monday to apologise for the controversy and outline the broadcaster’s response to the internal findings.
Davie, in his final remarks, urged the public to support the BBC despite its challenges. “The BBC should be championed, not weaponised,” he said. “It remains vital to a healthy democracy and a thriving creative sector.”
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
