BBC director general Tim Davie resigns after ‘Donald Trump speech doctored’

Tim Davie has resigned as the BBC’s director general following a week of criticism directed at the national broadcaster.

News CEO Deborah Turness is also leaving her post.

The broadcaster was accused of doctoring a speech by Donald Trump shown in a Panorama documentary to make the president appear as if he had incited violence.

It has also faced sustained criticism for its coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict as well as on trans issues.

Mr Davie admitted that there had been ‘mistakes’ under his leadership and said his decision to step aside was due to the ‘current debate’ around the role of the BBC.

But he added that the broadcaster needed to remain ‘open, transparent and accountable’ and insisted the BBC was ‘delivering well’.

He said: ‘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.’

Mr Davie originally joined the broadcaster as Director of Marketing, Communications and Audiences in 2005.

He took over as director-general in September 2020.

BBC chairman Samir Shah has said it ‘is a sad day for the BBC’ following Tim Davie’s resignation.

He said: ‘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 under way.

‘Personally, I will miss his stamina, good humor 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.’

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