BBC Chief Tim Davie Resigns After Trump Documentary Row

BBC Director-General Tim Davie has resigned following backlash over a controversial edit in a documentary about former U.S. President Donald Trump. BBC News CEO Deborah Turness has also stepped down.

The resignations came after an internal report found editorial errors in the documentary, which rearranged parts of Trump’s speech to suggest he encouraged the 2021 Capitol riot. In reality, he had urged supporters to “cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women.”

Davie, who took charge in 2020, said the BBC “must always hold itself to the highest standards” and accepted full responsibility for the lapse. Turness, in an internal note, rejected claims that BBC News was institutionally biased, calling such allegations “wrong.”

• BBC Chief Tim Davie Quits After Trump Documentary Controversy
• Tim Davie and Deborah Turness Resign Amid BBC Trump Film Backlash
• BBC Faces Leadership Crisis as Trump Documentary Sparks Editorial Row

The resignations mark a major shake-up as the BBC faces criticism over its editorial standards and prepares for a 2027 charter renewal. The incident has reignited debate over the broadcaster’s impartiality and use of public funds.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged Davie’s service during what she described as a “challenging time” for the BBC.

Industry observers say the swift exits reflect growing internal and external pressure on the BBC’s leadership. The corporation’s board is now expected to appoint interim leaders while reviewing editorial oversight procedures.

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The BBC faces renewed scrutiny from both government and audiences as it works to restore confidence in its commitment to fair and accurate journalism.