The BBC has confirmed the appointment of Rhodri Talfan Davies as its interim director general, a move set to stabilise the corporation following the departure of Tim Davie. Mr Davies, who previously led BBC Cymru Wales from 2011 to 2020, will assume the role on 3 April, steering the broadcaster until a permanent successor is in place.
A Smooth Transition for the BBC
In a note to staff, BBC chair Samir Shah outlined that Mr Davies, currently the Director of Nations, will join the board from 1 February. He will deputise for the outgoing director general to ensure a seamless handover during this critical period. Mr Shah praised Mr Davies as an outstanding leader with deep editorial experience and a strong commitment to public service broadcasting across the UK.
Tim Davie's Departure and Ongoing Challenges
Tim Davie will step down on 2 April, having announced his resignation in November last year. His departure comes amid controversy over the editing of a BBC documentary about Donald Trump, which has led to a defamation lawsuit from the former US president. Mr Davie acknowledged that while the BBC is performing well overall, mistakes were made, and he takes ultimate responsibility as director general.
The lawsuit, demanding $10 billion, alleges that clips from Trump's speech on 6 January 2021 were spliced to misrepresent his words. A BBC spokesperson stated the corporation will defend the case, refraining from further comment on ongoing legal proceedings.
Looking Ahead: Charter Review and Permanent Successor
Mr Shah emphasised that the search for a permanent director general is well underway and remains a top priority. He assured staff of updates once a successful candidate is secured. Meanwhile, the BBC continues to navigate the government's consultation on its Green Paper regarding the future of the BBC Charter, a key issue for the broadcaster's long-term strategy.
In terms of remuneration, as of July 2025, Rhodri Talfan Davies was paid between £305,000 and £309,999, while Tim Davie earned between £540,000 and £544,999. This interim appointment marks a pivotal moment for the BBC as it addresses both internal leadership and external pressures.
