TL;DR
- Tim Davie has announced his resignation as BBC Director-General after 20 years, citing the intense demands of the role and the current debates surrounding BBC News.
- He emphasised the need for a smooth transition for his successor to shape the BBC’s future Charter plans and expressed pride in the organisation’s role as a trusted news brand globally.
BBC resignations: Director-general Tim Davie and CEO of BBC News issue statements after resigning | UK News
This afternoon, the BBC’s director-general has sent the following note to staff:
“I wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years. This is entirely my decision, and I remain very thankful to the Chair and Board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days.
“I am working through exact timings with the Board to allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months.
“I have been reflecting on the very intense personal and professional demands of managing this role over many years in these febrile times, combined with the fact that I want to give a successor time to help shape the Charter plans they will be delivering.”
Davie wrote that the BBC “is of unique value and speaks to the very best of us” in “increasingly polarised times”.
“It helps make the UK a special place; overwhelmingly kind, tolerant and curious,” he added.
“Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable.
‘Current debate has contributed to decision’
“While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision. Overall the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as Director-General I have to take ultimate responsibility.
“Our organisation is a critical ingredient of a healthy society, as well as a thriving creative sector. We should champion it, not weaponise it.”
Davie added that he is “proud that the BBC remains the most trusted news brand globally”.
“We have continued to ensure that it is used by almost everyone in the UK as well as hundreds of millions of people globally. Despite the inevitable issues and challenges, our journalism and quality content continues to be admired as a gold standard.”
“Our transition to a digital organisation has been deeply impressive, and our thriving commercial businesses are admired globally. Also, our work together on ensuring that we have the right culture has been important and motivating. I could not be more impressed by what you are achieving.”
‘Why now?’
Davie also elaborated why he chose this particular moment to resign as he acknowledged that staff may “ask why now, why this moment?”
Davie wrote: “I am BBC through and through, having spent the last 20 years of my life working for this organisation as Director of Marketing, Communications and Audiences, Director of Audio and Music, acting Director-General and Chief Executive of BBC Studios. I care deeply about it and want it to succeed.
“That is why I want to create the best conditions and space for a new DG to come in and positively shape the next Royal Charter. I hope that as we move forward, a sensible, calm and rational public conversation can take place about the next chapter of the BBC.
“This timing allows a new DG to help shape the next Charter. I believe we are in a strong position to deliver growth.
“Thank you again, it has been a wonderful ride, which I have loved. I count myself very lucky to have served as DG no.17. I will have a proper chance to see many of you before I go but I have been incredibly proud to lead the BBC as DG for over five years. It is a precious UK institution and you are a world-class team. Thank you all for the tireless support and friendship.
“I will always be a passionate cheerleader for civilised society, a strong BBC and a thriving UK.”