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Tim Davie has resigned as the BBC’s Director-General following allegations of bias at the broadcaster. The chief executive of BBC News Deborah Turness also resigned on Sunday evening. The announcement comes after a turbulent week for the BBC, following accusations by journalist Michael Prescott that it selectively edited a January 2021 clip of former US President Donald Trump. Prescott, a former external advisor, alleged that a Panorama documentary spliced Trump’s words to make it appear he was encouraging the Capitol Hill riots. Other sections of the memo reportedly allege bias in the BBC’s Arabic service coverage of the Gaza conflict and claim some journalists “censored” reporting on transgender issues to promote a pro-trans agenda. Mr Davie sent a message to staff on Sunday afternoon, saying it was "entirely" his decision to quit. He acknowledged that “there have been some mistakes made” and as a result he has to take “ultimate responsibility” for them. He said: "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. "Overall, the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as Director-General I have to take ultimate responsibility." Meanwhile, Ms Turness, who was appointed CEO of BBC News in January 2022, said the “ongoing controversy” surrounding the Panorama programme on Trump had escalated to the point of causing real damage to the corporation. She said she had "taken the difficult decision that it will no longer be my role to lead you in the collective vision that we all have: to pursue the truth with no agenda". She added that "the ongoing controversy around the Panorama on President Trump has reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC – an institution that I love". "The buck stops with me," she said, adding that she offered her resignation to Tim Davie on Saturday. "While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong," she adds. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy thanked Tim Davie "for his service to public broadcasting over many years". "He has led the BBC through a period of significant change and helped the organisation to grip the challenges it has faced in recent years," she wrote on X. "Now more than ever, the need for trusted news and high quality programming is essential to our democratic and cultural life, and our place in the world. "As a government, we will support the Board as it manages this transition and ensure that the Charter Review is the catalyst that helps the BBC to adapt to this new era and secures its role at the heart of national life for decades to come." This is a breaking news story, more to follow
