BBC in Turmoil: Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness Resign Amid Bias Controversy

The BBC faced an unprecedented leadership crisis on Sunday night as Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness resigned amid allegations that the broadcaster failed to maintain impartiality on key issues, including coverage of Donald Trump and transgender matters.

The resignations follow the publication of a 19-page dossier by Michael Prescott, a former BBC editorial standards adviser, highlighting editorial concerns over several recent broadcasts. Central to the controversy was an edition of Panorama, aired a week before last year’s US election, which Prescott claimed selectively edited Trump’s speech. The edits omitted sections in which Trump called for peaceful protest, instead suggesting he encouraged violent action.

Prescott also raised questions about BBC Arabic, citing alleged anti-Israel bias, and criticised coverage of transgender issues, claiming the BBC’s LGBT desk prioritised the Stonewall perspective while avoiding challenging stories.

The dossier triggered intense criticism from senior Conservative figures. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Davie “must either explain or resign,” while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch demanded accountability, stating “heads should roll.” Trump’s press secretary labeled the BBC “100% fake news” following the allegations.

Despite the backlash, some senior journalists defended the BBC’s editorial integrity. Nick Robinson noted “genuine concerns regarding mistakes” but warned of a politically motivated campaign to undermine the broadcaster, a view echoed by John Simpson. Sky News’ Adam Boulton described the bias claims as “BS” and defended the BBC’s reporting of Trump’s role in the January 6 Capitol events.

The BBC board, chaired by Samir Shah, is expected to apologise over the Panorama edits. The resignations mark a dramatic chapter in the corporation’s history, raising questions about governance, impartiality, and the future direction of the UK’s publicly funded broadcaster.