**EXCLUSIVE: Senior BBC Editors Hold Video Call Amid Controversy, Avoid Discussing Trump Edit**
Senior editors at BBC News convened the newsroom for a video call update on Wednesday. However, one topic was strictly off-limits: the controversial Donald Trump edit.
From the outset, journalists were informed that leaders—including Jonathan Munro, currently acting head of news following Deborah Turness’ abrupt resignation over the weekend—could not address questions related to the bungled *Panorama* edit. This was due to Trump’s looming $1 billion legal threat.
“They said at the start of the call they had to be careful legally,” one observer noted.
Unlike the open all-staff BBC call on Tuesday, where employee frustration poured out through comments, questions, and remarks to news chiefs, Wednesday’s meeting featured carefully vetted inquiries. The session was chaired by Phil Harrold, BBC News director of transformation.
Munro’s role in the unfolding crisis has caused significant concern among BBC journalists. However, he was not questioned about the decision to defend the 2024 *Panorama* film, which controversially spliced two parts of Trump’s January 6 speech—giving the impression he explicitly incited violence.
Until Monday, the BBC stood by the editorial decision. But chair Samir Shah ultimately conceded, stating:
*“The way the speech was edited did give the impression of a direct call for violent action. The BBC would like to apologise for that error of judgement.”*
Sources revealed that during Wednesday’s call, Richard Burgess, director of news content, acknowledged “significant mistakes” had been made. Meanwhile, Munro refrained from discussing his private conversations with Turness regarding her unexpected departure as BBC News CEO.
### BBC Arabic Addresses Criticism Amid Controversy
During the same call, Munro reassured staff that BBC Arabic was not under threat despite serious criticism surrounding the network’s ongoing platforming of individuals expressing antisemitic views.
He pointed to recent reforms within BBC Arabic, including an overhaul of its *Press Review* segment—which compiles media reporting from the Middle East—as well as strengthened editorial leadership and accountability measures.
The Trump edit and the situation at BBC Arabic were highlighted in a memo authored by Michael Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC board’s editorial standards committee. This document, which has contributed to the recent crisis culminating in the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and Deborah Turness, also criticized the BBC’s perceived pro-trans rights coverage.
### BBC Acknowledges Mistakes on Gender Identity Reporting
When questioned about these points during the call, Burgess acknowledged that the BBC had not “got everything right” on gender identity issues but emphasized that “progress” has been made.
According to sources, Burgess highlighted the importance of ensuring the BBC remains a safe space for both those who support trans rights and individuals who hold gender-critical views.
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The meeting underscored the tumultuous state of affairs within BBC News as it navigates legal threats, internal criticism, and calls for accountability in its editorial practices.
https://deadline.com/2025/11/bbc-news-trump-bungle-off-limits-1236615297/
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