BBC director-general Tim Davie has resigned after a BBC Panorama documentary misled viewers, the broadcaster has announced.
Deborah Turness, the CEO of News at the national broadcaster, has also resigned.
The BBC Panorama documentary was found to have misled viewers by editing a speech by US President Donald Trump.
Mr Davie, who was director-general for five years, oversaw a number of BBC controversies in recent weeks, including its coverage of Gaza and Glastonbury.
In a statement, Mr Davie said: “I wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years.
“This is entirely my decision, and I remain very thankful to the Chair and Board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days.
“I am working through exact timings with the Board to allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months.
“I have been reflecting on the very intense personal and professional demands of managing this role over many years in these febrile times, combined with the fact that I want to give a successor time to help shape the Charter plans they will be delivering.
Tim Davie announced his resignation on Sunday ahead of the BBC issuing an apology over a Panorama programme on Donald Trump
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“In these increasingly polarised times, the BBC is of unique value and speaks to the very best of us.
“It helps make the UK a special place; overwhelmingly kind, tolerant and curious.
“Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable.
“While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision.
“Overall, the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as Director-General I have to take ultimate responsibility.”
Ms Turness added: “In public life, leaders need to be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down.
“While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear, recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.”
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