The resignations of BBC director general Tim Davie and his head of news Deborah Turness dominate Monday’s papers. “BBC bosses quit in disgrace” is the Daily Mail’s headline. The broadcaster has been under fire over a Panorama documentary that was accused of misleadingly editing a speech by Donald Trump to make it look like he was urging people to attack the US Capitol. The paper quotes Davie’s statement saying “mistakes have been made and as director general I have to take ultimate responsibility”.
The Daily Telegraph describes the double resignations as the BBC’s “biggest crisis in more than a decade”. The paper also features comments by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, saying it was right that the BBC bosses had “finally taken responsibility”. In her parting statement, Turness says: “While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.”
“Feels like a coup”, says one BBC source quoted by the Guardian. The paper reports that sources within the corporation are describing a “mood of dismay” at Turness’ exit, as the hunt begins now to fill “two of the biggest roles in British media”.
The i Paper leads with “BBC bosses quit over botched Trump film”. The paper says the White House is gloating that Trump “forced out” the corporation’s director general.
The Sun follows with the US president’s reaction to the news of Davie and Turness’ exits. Posting on Truth Social, Trump writes: “The TOP people in the BBC, including TIM DAVIE, the BOSS, are all quitting/FIRED, because they were caught “doctoring” my very good (PERFECT!) speech of January 6th.”
“Death by a thousand cuts” is how insiders describe Davie’s departure, the Times reports. The paper says a number of issues including complaints over the BBC’s coverage of Gaza and trans issues contributed to Davie’s resignation.
“Furore over Trump documentary” says the Financial Times. The paper reports that Davie and Turness’ resignations come as the BBC is set to apologise to MPs over the Panorama documentary on Monday.
“Boss quits over BBC doctoring of Trump speech” is the Daily Express’s take. Elsewhere, the paper features King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attending Remembrance Day tributes on Sunday. A photo of the princess wiping away a tear during the event shares the top spot.
“Tears of the crown” is the Metro’s headline. A photo of the King saluting at the Cenotaph fills the front page as the paper reports on his “emotional” tribute to those who died serving in the two world wars and other conflicts.
“Crisis at the Beeb” says the Daily Mirror. The paper also previews an exclusive on TV presenter Caroline Flack, who took her own life in 2020 while she was facing trial for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend. The Mirror quotes an ex-Crown Prosecution Service chief who says Flack “should never have been charged”.
The Daily Star profiles “Britain’s tallest Tory” who the paper says is vowing to become a “giant of politics”. James McAlpine towers on the paper’s front page, standing at 7ft 2in (219cm) tall.
Finally, the Independent splashes on their campaign to support missing young people. The paper is pairing up with charity Missing People for a new SafeCall service that will provide a lifeline for those affected by the disappearance of a child.
