UPDATE: Major upheaval at the BBC as director-general Tim Davie and chief executive Deborah Turness have resigned following a scandal over the editing of a Donald Trump video. This crisis has ignited accusations of bias regarding the corporation’s coverage of the Gaza conflict and transgender issues, prompting immediate public outcry.
Just hours ago, November 9, 2025, Davie acknowledged “mistakes” in the BBC’s editorial practices, stating, “I have to take ultimate responsibility.” Turness echoed this sentiment, affirming that the controversies have inflicted “damage” on the BBC, a respected institution.
The resignations have sent shockwaves through the media landscape. Trump took to Truth Social, declaring, “The TOP people in the BBC… are all quitting/FIRED, because they were caught ‘doctoring’ my very good (PERFECT!) speech of January 6th.” The timing of their exit comes just days after the BBC faced intense scrutiny following a damaging internal report.
“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,” said Turness in her note to staff.
The internal report, authored by Michael Prescott, accused the BBC of manipulation in its portrayal of Trump and criticized its handling of sensitive topics like transgender rights and Gaza coverage. The report has fueled calls for a complete overhaul of the corporation’s editorial policies.
In a powerful response, Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, labeled the BBC as “100 percent fake news.” She shared a screenshot of her comments alongside the announcement of Davie’s resignation, underscoring the political ramifications of the situation.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson weighed in, stating on social media that Davie must either clarify the Trump incident or resign, threatening to withhold his licence fee over the issue. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch described the situation as “absolutely shocking” and called for accountability at the highest levels.
Critics have described the resignations as insufficient, with many arguing that the issues at the BBC extend beyond a single incident. Badenoch emphasized the need for systemic change, stating, “This has been a catalogue of serious failures that runs far deeper.”
Senior Tory MP James Cleverly remarked on the BBC’s “failure to recognize its own bias,” suggesting the organization requires a significant shift in culture. He expressed hope that this crisis could catalyze necessary reforms.
With the BBC facing a critical moment ahead of upcoming Royal Charter renewal negotiations, the future of the broadcaster hangs in the balance. Stakeholders are calling for decisive action to address the deeper issues highlighted by Prescott’s report.
As the resignation news unfolds, the BBC board is under pressure to initiate a transformation that meets the expectations of both the public and government officials. The implications of this scandal could redefine the BBC’s approach to reporting and its role in public life.
Expect further developments as the media landscape watches closely. The new leadership will need to navigate these turbulent waters to restore public trust and credibility.
