Tim Davie, the director general of the BBC, and the head of BBC News has resigned as a former adviser to members on issues including Donald Trump, Gaza and Trans Rights.
This afternoon Davie sent the following staff note:
Dear All,
I want to inform you that I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years. This was all my decision, and I remain grateful to the chairs and the board for their unwavering and united support throughout my tenure, including the present day.
I am working through exact board hours to allow for a smooth transition to a successor in the coming months.
I reflect on the intense personal and professional demands of managing this role during several febrile periods, mixed with an hour of time to help the charter plans they will help.
In these busy times, the BBC is of incredible value and speaks to the best of us. It helps make the UK a special place; very kind, tolerant and curious. Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable. While there is no real reason, the current debate around BBC News is known to have influenced my decision. Overall the BBC has delivered well, but some mistakes have been made and as director-general I have to take the greatest responsibility.
Our organization is a critical component of a healthy society, as well as a growing creative sector. We need it started, not a weapon.
Despite a highly competitive market, I am proud that the BBC remains the most trusted Global Evening brand. We continue to ensure that it is used by almost everyone in the UK as well as hundreds of millions of people around the world. Despite the inevitable issues and challenges, our journalism and quality content continue to be hailed as the gold standard. Our transition to a digital organization has been impressive, and our commercial innovations have been praised Globally. Likewise, our collaboration in making sure we have the right culture is important and inspiring. I could not be more impressed with your achievement.
You ask why now, why this time?
I am the BBC through and through and have spent the last 20 years of my life working for this organization as Director of Marketing, Audio Communications and Chief Director-General and Chief Executive of BBC Studios. I thought a lot about it and wanted it to succeed. So I want to create the best conditions and space for a new DG to come and positively shape the next royal charter. I hope that as we move forward, a reasonable, calm and reasoned public conversation will take place about the next chapter of the BBC.
This time allows a new DG to help shape the next charter. I believe we are in a strong position to deliver growth.
Thanks again, it was an excellent ride, which I loved. I consider myself very fortunate to have served as DG No.17. I will meet a proper opportunity to see most of you go but I am not very proud to have led the BBC as DG for five years. This is a valuable UK institution and you are a world class team. Thank you all for the tireless support and friendship.
I have always been a passionate cheerleader for civilized society, a strong BBC and a prosperous UK.
Best wishes,
Timos
Debora Kahalikalon, who will be the CEO of BBC News Since January 2022, sent the following statement to the staff:
Dear All,
I have never been more proud of the work you do every day. You are truly the best of the best.
I took the difficult decision that it is no longer my role to guide you in the collective vision we all have: to pursue the truth without an agenda.
The ongoing controversy surrounding President Trump’s panorama has reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC – an institution I love.
As the CEO of BBC News and current affairs, the buck stopped me – and I got the decision to offer my resignation to the Director-General last night.
In public life leaders must be fully accountable, and that is why I am passing. While mistakes have been made, I want to make absolutely clear allegations that BBC News is wrong.
In a polarized world, BBC News Journalism is more important than ever, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work you do. Together we are opening a global trend, to grow trust in BBC News, and I want to thank you, wherever you are in the world, for your brave work to realize that.
I ask you: Please keep the courage to continue our mission. I only regret not being there to lead and champion your excellent journalism.
It is a great privilege to work with all of you.
I will now work with Tim to plan a smooth handover to ensure that my decision to step away causes the least amount of disruption that you do.
With best wishes,
Deborah