Following a dispute over the editing of a documentary about Donald Trump in which the US president disparaged “corrupt journalists,” the BBC’s director general announced his resignation on Sunday.
Tim Davie and Deborah Turness, the broadcaster’s chief of news, resigned following allegations that a documentary produced by its flagship Panorama show had misrepresented a Trump speech.
Trump responded to the news by claiming that “corrupt journalists” had been exposed and that “these are very dishonest people who tried to step on the scales of a Presidential Election.”
Announcing his resignation Davie said in a statement posted on the BBC website: “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… I have to take ultimate responsibility.”
The most recent scandal comes after a Daily Telegraph article this week claimed that Michael Prescott, a former external consultant to the BBC’s editorial standards committee, initially voiced concerns in a document on impartiality in the summer.
Lisa Nandy, the UK’s Minister of Culture, Media, and Sport, described the accusations as “incredibly serious” earlier on Sunday.
On Monday, the BBC pledged to provide “a full response” to the culture, media, and sport committee of parliament.
