Tim Davie possible replacements as BBC boss quits after Trump bias row

Tim Davie is stepping down as director-general of the BBC. The broadcaster confirmed that the decision to leave after 20 years in the role was "entirely his decision". The resignation comes amid a turbulent week for the BBC, which has faced intense scrutiny over its editorial practices. Controversies include the alleged manipulation of a Donald Trump speech in a Panorama documentary and claims of biased reporting on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The publicly funded broadcaster is expected to issue an apology on Monday in response to concerns over its impartiality.

Now, the BBC has begun succession planning for a director-general to replace Tim Davie. A woman might be appointed to the top job for the first time, The Times reported last year.

From external female candidates, The Times pointed to Jay Hunt, Apple TV+'s Creative Director for Europe. She is an Australianborn British television executive. From early 2011 until June2017, she was Chief Creative Officer of Channel 4. Prior to that, she held senior roles such as Director of Programmes at Channel 5 and Controller of BBC One. She remains the only person to have led all three of these UK broadcasters.

Another potential candidate is Jane Turton, CEO of All3Media, the production powerhouse behind hits such as The Traitors, Call the Midwife, and Fleabag. Jane joined All3Media in 2008 as Deputy Chief Operating Officer, rising to COO in 2011 and becoming a CEO in 2015. She played a key role on the executive team at ITV, where she was Director of Commercial and Business Affairs and Director of Business Affairs at ITV Studios and then ITV Network, the largest commercial broadcast and streamer in the UK. She has a degree in French from the University of St Andrews.

Previously billed as a potential candidate for the role, Deborah Turness, the chief executive of BBC News and current affairs also announced her resignation on Sunday night.

Samir Shah, Chair of the BBC, shared a statement on Deborah, and said: "I want to thank Deborah for her leadership of BBC News over the past three years. She has transformed the operation of News with real commitment and a clear vision of the future.

"She has acted with integrity in challenging circumstances and leaves a strong legacy from which to build for the many millions around the world who rely on and trust the voice of BBC News every day."

BBC Director-General, Tim Davie said: "In the past three years, Deborah has led the newsroom with extraordinary energy, changing the way that it works and cementing BBC News as the most used and trusted news outlet in the UK and the most trusted news provider internationally.

"She has been a valued colleague and a passionate advocate for her team of more than 5,000 people who work round the clock and around the world, on and off air, to report without fear or favour in an age where press freedom has never been under greater pressure. Deborah offered her resignation to me last night, and I want to thank her for all that she has done and to wish her the very best for her future."