Kate Phillips urges social media caution amid BBC fallout

BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips has warned staff about commenting on the exit of director general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness on social media.

In a note to staff seen by Broadcast (see in full below), Phillips wrote that she felt “incredibly sad” at the exit of Davie and Turness, whose shock exit yesterday evening followed a period of intense pressure over various accusations of editorial failings.

BBC News and Current Affairs has been heavily criticised for the editing of a Donald Trump speech in a Panorama doc, allegations of bias in its coverage of the war in Gaza and criticism over the way it has reported on trans issues.

Phillips, who worked with Davie at BBC Studios (then BBC Worldwide) prior to his appointment as DG in 2020, also referenced the BBC’s much-discussed social media guidelines, which were introduced by Davie in the wake of comments from former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker.

“I know this is a lot to take in and there will be plenty of speculation in the media and online,” she wrote. “Please do remember our social media guidelines before engaging in any public dialogue.”

Phillips described Davie’s decision to step down as “a huge loss to the BBC and to licence fee payers”.

She added: “Tim has given 20 years of extraordinary service to the BBC and on a personal note, I want to thank him for the support he’s given me. I’ve not known anyone who has worked harder, under more pressure, and remained so resilient.

“His commitment to public service broadcasting has been extraordinary, and his leadership, with honour and integrity woven throughout, has meant a great to so many of us.”

The content chief, who replace Charlotte Moore earlier this year, added that Turness had been “a brilliant colleague and friend to me, and I’m so sad she’s going.”

Phillips also pointed to The Celebrity Traitors, which was today renewed for a second series after a stellar opening run, and recently launched David Attenborough-narrated Kingdom as recent successes on which to focus.

“The Celebrity Traitors has delivered brilliant viewing figures, Kingdom was an incredible watch last night, and with Children in Need just around the corner and Sara Cox’s incredible fundraising challenge kicking off today, we continue to be unrivalled in the outstanding content we deliver to millions every week.

“With your help we’ll keep delivering this across Radio, TV and Online. We should all be so incredibly proud to work for the best public service broadcaster in the world.”

The BBC has been approached for comment.