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BBC Wraps Final Interviews for New News Chief
Confirmed
In Short: Deadline reports that the BBC is wrapping up its final round of interviews for the role of head of news, with four candidates still in contention.
BBC News announced in June that it would cancel shows like Radio 4’s The World Tonight to save £25M ($33.5M), and the division still needs to find another £25M in savings.
David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News, and Louisa Compton, who was promoted to director of news, digital, and audience trust at Channel 4, were among the contenders.
The BBC’s search for its next head of news has been closely watched, with the last hiring process seeing Turness initially rule herself out before being persuaded to apply.
The new head of news will face the challenge of maintaining the BBC’s reputation while navigating financial constraints and staff morale.
The final decision is expected to be announced soon, with the successful candidate inheriting a newsroom that is both innovative and under pressure.
What this adds
The news adds context to the challenges the new head of news will face, including ongoing budget cuts and the need to maintain morale.
What's confirmed
- BBC News announced in June that it would cancel shows like Radio 4’s The World Tonight to save £25M ($33.5M), and the division still needs to find another £25M in savings.
- David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News, and Louisa Compton, who was promoted to director of news, digital, and audience trust at Channel 4, were among the contenders.
- The BBC’s search for its next head of news has been closely watched, with the last hiring process seeing Turness initially rule herself out before being persuaded to apply.
- The new head of news will face the challenge of maintaining the BBC’s reputation while navigating financial constraints and staff morale.
- The final decision is expected to be announced soon, with the successful candidate inheriting a newsroom that is both innovative and under pressure.
What's still developing
- Deadline understands that the BBC is conducting a final round of interviews for the role this week.
- Four candidates are said to be in the frame to replace Deborah Turness, who dramatically resigned last November amid an explosive editorial scandal over Donald Trump.
- Multiple sources told Deadline that the BBC’s search has not been straightforward, with some high-profile external candidates preferring to remain in their current roles rather than face the unrelenting scrutiny of running the UK’s biggest newsroom.
- The successful candidate will inherit a newsroom that is embracing online storytelling, but morale is low amid ongoing cuts at the BBC.
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