Tim Davie announced his resignation as Director General of the BBC on 9 November, as first reported by the New Statesman.
It cames after the national broadcaster was forced to apologise for how Panorama had edited footage of Donald Trump’s speech ahead of the US Capitol riots. The US President has described the editing as “100 per cent fake news”.
Deborah Turness, the CEO of BBC news, has also announced her departure.
A source said the video-editing furore was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” after a string of controversies for the public broadcaster, including showing Bob Vylan’s controversial set at Glastonbury and a Gaza documentary that it was later forced to retract.
In his resignation statement sent to staff, Davie 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.”
[Further reading: Piers Morgan on monarchy, Rupert Murdoch and Paul Marshall]
Content from our partners
Related
