Crisis at BBC as Director General and CEO of BBC News resign | Television tonight

Major news from Britain is that both BBC Director General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turnness have resigned after The Telegraph revealed a news story. Panorama documentary that misleadingly edited a speech by Donald Trump to make it appear as if he was inciting people to attack the U.S. Capitol.

“Trump: a second chance?” was broadcast a week before the 2024 US presidential election.

Here’s how BBC made the two announcements:

Today (9 November) Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, announced his intention to leave the BBC. CEO of BBC News Deborah Turnness has also resigned.

BBC chairman Samir Shah said: “This is a sad day for the BBC. Tim has been an outstanding director general over the last five years. He has taken the BBC forward with grit, determination and foresight.”

“He has had the full support of me and the board. However, I understand the continued pressure on him, both personally and professionally, that has led him to make this decision today. The entire board respects the decision and the reasons for it.”

“Tim has given twenty years of his life to the BBC. He is a dedicated and inspiring leader and an absolute supporter of the BBC and the public broadcaster. He has achieved much. In particular, under his tenure the transformation of the BBC to meet the challenges of a world of unprecedented change and competition is well underway.

“Personally, I will miss his endurance, good humor and resilience and working with him. I wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

“This is an important time for the company and the board and I will continue to work with Tim in the meantime as we undertake the process to appoint his successor.”

This afternoon Tim Davie sent the following message to staff:

I wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave the BBC after twenty years. This is entirely my decision, and I remain deeply grateful to the Chairman and the Board of Directors for their unwavering and unanimous support throughout my tenure, including the past few days.

I am working with the board on the exact timing to enable an orderly transition to a successor in the coming months.

I have been thinking about the very intense personal and professional demands of managing this role for many years in these feverish times, combined with the fact that I want to give a successor time to shape the Charter plans they will deliver.

In these increasingly polarized times, the BBC has unique value and appeals to the very best among us. It helps make Britain a special place; overwhelmingly friendly, tolerant and curious. Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable. Although not the only reason, the current debate surrounding BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision. Overall the BBC is performing well, but some mistakes have been made and as Director General I must take ultimate responsibility.

Our organization is a crucial ingredient for a healthy society and a thriving creative sector. We must defend it, not arm it.

Despite a hugely competitive market, I am proud that the BBC remains the most trusted news brand worldwide. We’ve continued to ensure it’s used by almost everyone in the UK and hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Despite the inevitable problems and challenges, our journalism and quality content are still admired as a gold standard. Our transition to a digital organization has been very impressive, and our thriving commercial businesses are admired worldwide. Our collaboration to ensure we have the right culture has also been important and motivating. I couldn’t be more impressed with what you’re accomplishing.

You will wonder why now, why at this moment?

I am BBC through and through and have spent the last twenty years of my life working for this organization as Director of Marketing, Communications and Audiences, Director of Audio and Music, Acting Director General and Chief Executive of BBC Studios. I care about it deeply and want it to succeed. That is why I want to create the best conditions and space for a new DG to positively shape the next Royal Charter. I hope that as we move forward, there can be a sensible, calm and rational public conversation about the BBC’s next chapter.

This timing allows a new DG to help shape the next Charter. I believe we are in a strong position to achieve growth.

Thanks again, it was a beautiful ride, which I enjoyed. I consider myself very fortunate to have served as DG No. 17. I will have a good chance to see many of you before I leave, but I am incredibly proud to have led the BBC as DG for more than five years. It’s a precious British institution and you are a world-class team. Thank you all for the tireless support and friendship.

I will always be a passionate cheerleader for civilized society, a strong BBC and a thriving United Kingdom.

Best regards,

Tim

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The CEO of BBC News has announced her resignation from the BBC today (9 November).

BBC chairman Samir Shah said: “I would like to thank Deborah for her leadership at BBC News over the past three years. She has transformed the News operation with real dedication and a clear vision of the future.

“She has acted with integrity in challenging circumstances and leaves a strong legacy to build on for the many millions of people around the world who rely on the voice of BBC News every day.”

BBC Director General Tim Davie said: “Over the past three years, Deborah has led the newsroom with extraordinary energy, transforming the way it works and making BBC News the most widely used and trusted news broadcast in Britain and the most trusted news provider internationally.

“She has been a valued colleague and a passionate advocate for her team of more than 5,000 people who work around the clock and around the world, on air and off, to report without fear or favor at a time when press freedom has never been under greater pressure. Deborah tendered her resignation to me last night and I would like to thank her for all she has done and wish her all the best for her future.”

This afternoon Deborah Turnness sent the following to the staff:

Dear all,

I have never been more proud of the work you do every day. You are truly the best of the best.

I have made the difficult decision that it will no longer be my role to lead you in the collective vision we all have: pursuing the truth without an agenda.

The ongoing Panorama controversy over President Trump has reached a stage where it is damaging the BBC – an institution I love.

As CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, the buck stops with me – and I took the decision last night to tender my resignation to the Director General.

In public life, leaders must be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down. While mistakes have been made, I want to make it absolutely clear that recent accusations that BBC News is institutionally biased are incorrect.

In a polarized world, BBC News’ journalism is more important than ever, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work you do. Together we have broken the global trend to grow trust in BBC News, and I want to thank you, wherever you are in the world, for your courageous work to make that happen.

My plea to you: please have the courage to continue our mission. I’m just sorry I won’t be there to lead and defend your brilliant journalism.

It was a great privilege to work with all of you.

I will now work with Tim to plan an orderly handover to ensure that my decision to step away causes the least possible disruption to the important work you do.

With best wishes,

Deborah

BBC news agency