BBC director of news Helen Boaden and her deputy have stepped aside, pending the outcome of an internal review.
The move by Ms Boaden and Steve Mitchell comes after the resignation of BBC's director general George Entwistle.
The BBC is not commenting yet, but says there will be an announcement in the next few hours.
Mr Entwistle quit after a report on its flagship Newsnight programme led to a former Tory treasurer being wrongly accused of child abuse.
Meanwhile, it has emerged Mr Entwistle is to be paid a year's salary - £450,000 - in lieu of notice after resigning.
A BBC Trust spokesperson says the pay reflects the fact Mr Entwistle will continue to help with BBC business, including two ongoing inquiries.
The decision has been criticised by senior MPs.
The Tory chairman of the Commons culture committee, John Whittingdale, says he wants to know why the BBC Trust thinks the £450,000 payout is "appropriate".
Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman says the payout is "not justifiable".
