The BBC has announced director general Tim Davie is to step down, and CEO of BBC News of Deborah Turness has resigned.
Both have decided to leave their roles following an episode of Panorama that edited a speech by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking about his decision in a note to staff, Davie said: “I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years. This is entirely my decision, and I remain very thankful to the chair and board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days.”
“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.”
Davie added that he is working with the BBC’s board to “allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months.”
Reacting to the news, BBC chairman Samir Shah said: “This is a sad day for the BBC. 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.
“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.”
In her own statement, Turness said: “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.
“As the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, the buck stops with me—and I took the decision to offer my resignation to the director-general last night.”
