The BBC has released a public apology to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a misleading alteration of his speech from January 6, 2021, although it stated it "strongly disagreed that there is a foundation for a defamation lawsuit."
Having existed for over a hundred years, the UK's public broadcaster has frequently faced disputes. In the last week, it has found itself in one of its most significant crises, with its director general resigning, its news chief stepping down, doubts about the accuracy of its reporting, and Trump considering a billion-dollar legal action.
Here's what to know.
What has triggered the most recent conflict?
The pressure on the broadcaster has been increasing since the conservative Daily Telegraph newspaper released excerpts from a report prepared by the BBC's advisor on standards and guidelines on November 3.
In addition to critiquing the BBC's portrayal of transgender matters and highlighting worries about anti-Israel sentiment in the BBC's Arabic channel, the report stated that an episode of the BBC's main news program "Panorama" — titled "Trump: A Second Chance?" — aired just before the 2024 U.S. presidential election was deceptive.
More specifically, it demonstrated how the third-party production company that produced the film combined three quotes from two parts of the Jan. 6, 2021 speech into what seemed like a single quote, in which Trump encouraged his supporters to march alongside him and "fight fiercely."
In this way, it appeared that Trump was endorsing his followers to attack the U.S. Capitol while Congress was preparing to confirm President-elect Joe Biden's win in the 2020 election, which Trump wrongly claimed had been taken from him.
I suppose I have to
The reaction from critics of the BBC — and there are numerous ones both within the U.K. and internationally — was swift and strong.
The media outlet, supported by a yearly charge of 174.50 pounds ($230) collected from every U.K. household that watches live television or BBC programming, faced allegations of favoring Trump, according to critics who claim there is a natural liberal tendency within the group.
For several days, the BBC provided minimal information, stating that it did not report on the leaked stories. Some considered this approach a mistake, as it allowed the story's portrayal to be shaped by its critics.
By November 9, the pressure on the BBC had grown significantly, leading its senior executive, Tim Davie, and head of news, Deborah Turness, to step down due to what the network described as a "mistake in judgment."
It was also disclosed that Trump was seeking a retraction, an apology, and damages regarding the segment. "I guess I have to," Trump stated when questioned about whether he would follow through on his legal threat. "Because I believe they deceived the public and they've acknowledged it."
BBC apologizes to Trump
Trump established a deadline of Friday, November 14, for the BBC to reply to his challenge.
Although the BBC had previously stated that the cut segment in the show was an "error of judgment," it did not directly apologize to Trump until Thursday night.
In a statement, it mentioned that its chair, Samir Shah, had personally sent a letter regarding the misleading edit, but stated that it had not defamed him.
Although the BBC statement does not address Trump's request for compensation due to "significant financial and reputational damage," the title of its news article regarding the apology stated that it declined to offer any compensation.
Trump yet to respond
The American president has not yet addressed the BBC's apology and its refusal to meet his compensation requests.
Legal professionals have indicated that Trump would encounter difficulties in pursuing the case in court within the U.K. or the U.S. They suggested that the BBC might demonstrate that Trump suffered no harm, as he was eventually elected president in 2024.
Although numerous legal professionals have considered the president's allegations against the media as largely unfounded, he has secured significant settlements from American media corporations. Additionally, he might attempt to use the BBC's error as a basis for a financial gain, possibly directing the funds to a charity of his preference.
The BBC's future
Nevertheless, whatever the outcome of this recent crisis in the coming days and weeks, pressure will continue to mount on the BBC, particularly within its newsrooms, where any error or perceived bias is likely to be highlighted by critics.
As a public service broadcaster, the BBC must maintain neutrality in its reporting of news events. It's a delicate balance that frequently lands the BBC in controversy. Some believe it favors the right more than it should, while others argue it takes the opposite stance. Regardless of the actual situation, many feel the BBC is often hesitant in its coverage, especially regarding domestic political issues.
In addition to searching for a new director-general and news chief, it must discuss its future with the government.
The Labour government, positioned on the left of center, is seen as one of the most BBC-friendly political parties in the U.K., and is about to initiate the decennial process of examining the BBC's charter, which will conclude by the end of 2027.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the government would guarantee the BBC is "sustainably funded" and "maintains the public's trust," but she did not comment on whether the license fee could be reduced or abolished.