Martin Daubney has criticised TV star and former BBC journalist Emily Maitlis for her reaction to Tim Davie’s resignation.
The BBC is expected to issue an apology today after the shock departures of it’s director-general and News CEO, following a row over a BBC Panorama documentary that was accused of editing a speech by US President Donald Trump misleadingly.
The programme, Trump: A Second Chance?, aired ahead of last year’s US election and combined parts of Trump’s January 6, 2021, address in a way that suggested he urged supporters to accompany him to the Capitol and “fight like hell”.
It was later deemed an inaccurate representation.Donald Trump responded to the resignations by celebrating on Truth Social: “The TOP people in the BBC, including TIM DAVIE, the BOSS, are all quitting/FIRED, because they were caught ‘doctoring’ my very good (PERFECT!) speech of January 6.”
He then thanked The Telegraph for exposing the leak, writing: “Thank you to The Telegraph for exposing these Corrupt ‘Journalists’.
“These are very dishonest people who tried to step on the scales of a Presidential Election.”
Reacting to Mr Davie’s resignation, Ms Maitlis reposted a comment from journalist Tim Walker, which appeared to directly criticise the US President.
The X post read: “It should not be a matter for Trump who runs the BBC.” Ms Maitlis replied simply with: “This”, signalling her agreement.Martin weighed in soon after. The GB News presenter responded to the former BBC journalist: “The BBC will furiously attempt to frame its own downfall on Trump.
Director-general Tim Davie has resigned from the BBC
|
PA“Never, once, will they look in the mirror and say: ‘Do our critics have a point? Perhaps we are biased. Perhaps we should reflect the views of the nation & not just the cultural elite’. Zero self awareness!” (sic)
His post sparked a wave of online reaction, with many agreeing. “You are absolutely correct,” one user wrote, while another said: “I loathe the BBC. They are harming Britain & the public who they brainwash daily.”
Others claimed the broadcaster is beyond repair, writing: “The BBC are on life support! You are watching the systematic destruction of the old guard in real time.”
The BBC will furiously attempt to frame its own downfall on Trump
Never, once, will they look in the mirror and say: “Do our critics have a point? Perhaps we are biased. Perhaps we should reflect the views of the nation & not just the cultural elite”
Zero self awareness! https://t.co/9yHirVJdz5
— Martin Daubney 🇬🇧 (@MartinDaubney) November 10, 2025
However, not everyone sided with Martin, with the People’s Channel host facing opposition from those who continue to back the BBC.Several other well-known media voices have also reacted to the BBC fallout.
GB News regular and comedian Andrew Doyle posted: “This is long overdue. They allowed activists within the BBC to override its duty of impartiality… Whistleblowers were likewise ignored.”
Meanwhile, columnist Allison Pearson wrote: “In its present form, the BBC is taxation without representation. Millions are forced to pay the licence fee and never see their views, values or lives on screen.”
The News Agents host Jon Sopel, a long-time colleague of Ms Maitlis, called the situation “bizarre”, questioning why the BBC did not simply apologise immediately.
Politicians also weighed in on the debate. Nigel Farage said the resignations “must be the start of wholesale change” and argued the next BBC leader must come from the private sector.
Reform UK’s Head of Policy Zia Yusuf welcomed “accountability”, saying he hopes this marks a turning point.
On the other end of the political spectrum, Labour Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised Davie’s leadership and said the government would support the BBC Board through the transition.
Martin Daubney called out Emily Maitlis’ post on X
|
GB NEWS
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey used the opportunity to take a dig at Mr Farage as he urged the broadcaster not to “give in to those like Nigel Farage who want to destroy it”, insisting trust must be rebuilt.
The reaction comes after Mr Davie issued his resignation statement on Sunday evening, writing: “I take full accountability for my mistakes.”
He added that he wanted to make space for a new director-general to shape the next Royal Charter.
Answering why he has chosen this moment to step down, Mr Davie said: “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.”
He continued: “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.
“I will always be a passionate cheerleader for civilised society, a strong BBC and a thriving UK.”