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Rachel Jupp Named BBC News Director
Developing
In Short: Rachel Jupp has been appointed director of BBC News, succeeding the previous CEO who resigned nearly a year ago.
Rachel Jupp has been appointed the new director of BBC News, nearly a year after the previous CEO, Fran Unsworth, resigned. Jupp, who has extensive experience in BBC journalism, will take over the role from interim director Jonathan Munro.
Jupp's career at the BBC includes roles as deputy editor of BBC Two's Newsnight and editor of Panorama. She joined the BBC in 2013 after a stint at Channel 4 News.
In a statement, Jupp expressed her honor at being asked to lead BBC News, emphasizing her commitment to the corporation's journalistic mission.
Director-General Matt Brittin praised Jupp, saying she is 'widely regarded for her news judgement, fairness and high standards.' He also thanked Jonathan Munro for his leadership during the interim period.
Brittin highlighted the challenges facing BBC News, noting the fragmentation of audiences, scarcity of trust, and contestation of facts in today's media landscape.
Jupp's appointment comes amid significant financial pressures at the BBC, which plans to cut between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs to save £500m over two years.
Jupp's recent role included leading the BBC's editorial work on generative AI, based in the US, adding a fresh perspective to her new position.
Brittin emphasized the need to strengthen BBC News while reinventing how it serves audiences, confident that Jupp can navigate these challenges with a fresh perspective.
What's still developing
- The BBC said Jupp would be paid a salary of £400,000.
- Brittin said: "I would like to thank Jonathan Munro for his professionalism and leadership of BBC News in the past 11 months. I have been personally grateful for his deep experience, calm head and steady hand."
- Matt Brittin took over as the BBC's director general in May after Tim Davie resigned over the Panorama scandal The director general said BBC News remained the most used and most trusted news provider around the world and across the UK, but added that it faced significant challenges.
- "In a world of infinite choice, audiences are fragmenting, trust is scarce and facts are contested," Brittin said.
- In her letter of resignation, Turness said: "While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong."
- The BBC apologised and said the edit had given "the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action", but rejected his demand for compensation.
- Jupp is a former deputy editor of BBC Two's Newsnight and has also served as Panorama's editor, but left several years before the controversial Trump episode aired.
- The appointment comes as the BBC continues to make sweeping cuts to its news division.
- "She brings a clarity of vision for the future, and the determined, collaborative approach needed to strengthen BBC News," he added.
- "I'm grateful to Matt for this opportunity, and I'm looking forward to working with our dedicated, brilliant teams across the UK and around the world."
Sources
- BBClink