• Source:JND
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In an unprecedented fallout for Britain’s most-trusted broadcaster, BBC Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness resigned on Sunday after fierce backlash over a Panorama documentary accused of misleadingly editing a speech by US President Donald Trump. The crisis stemmed from a flagship Panorama episode examining Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots. Critics allege that editors spliced together separate parts of his speech to make it appear that he directly encouraged a violent march toward the Capitol building.

The televised segment excluded Trump’s remarks urging supporters to protest “peacefully and patriotically,” while retaining his later rhetorical lines, including “we fight like hell.”

A clip circulating via The Daily Telegraph appeared to show two distinct statements merged into one, prompting accusations that the broadcaster intentionally heightened the inflammatory tone. The claims gained further traction after former BBC adviser Michael Prescott published an internal memo accusing the corporation of “serious and systemic” bias, extending beyond Trump coverage to reporting on Gaza and transgender issues.

Davie And Turness Step Down

In a statement posted on the BBC website, Davie acknowledged institutional shortcomings, saying, “Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable.” He emphasised that his decision to step down after five years was voluntary.

Turness, facing mounting pressure, described her departure as essential to protect the broadcaster’s integrity. “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,” she wrote. “The buck stops with me.”

According to reports, BBC Chairman Samir Shah will write to the UK Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee to formally apologise for the misleading edits, with an official letter expected early next week.

The Speech In Question

Trump’s full transcript reveals he called on supporters to cheer lawmakers lawfully, demanded Congress “do the right thing,” and specifically urged a “peaceful” demonstration. His “fight like hell” remark came nearly an hour later and did not reference the Capitol march. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt weighed in on social media, posting screenshots of headlines regarding the BBC resignations with the succinct caption: “Shot: Chaser:” 

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