The BBC has appointed Rachel Jupp as its new director of news and current affairs, nearly a year after the previous chief executive resigned.
Ms Jupp, director of BBC News documentaries and long-form journalism, will begin her new role next month. Her appointment comes after Deborah Turness stood down as chief executive of BBC News in November last year in the fallout over how Panorama edited a speech by US President Donald Trump.
Career background
Ms Jupp’s previous roles include editorial executive for BBC Content, editor of Panorama and deputy editor of Newsnight. She joined the BBC in 2013.
BBC director-general Matt Brittin said: “Rachel is an outstanding editorial leader, widely regarded for her news judgment, fairness and high standards.
“She brings a clarity of vision for the future, and the determined, collaborative approach needed to strengthen BBC News.
Leadership remarks
“In a world of infinite choice, audiences are fragmenting, trust is scarce and facts are contested.
“BBC News remains the most used and most trusted news provider around the world and across the UK.
“It is our duty to recommit to the BBC’s distinctive journalistic mission while reinventing how we serve audiences, and to rise to these challenges.
“In Rachel, we have someone who can do both, with a fresh perspective to lead BBC News into a new era.”
Mr Brittin thanked BBC News global director Jonathan Munro, adding: “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.
“He will return to his substantive role as deputy director of News and BBC News global director when Rachel starts.”
New director’s response
Ms Jupp said: “I’m honoured to be asked to lead BBC News.
“I want to champion our vital, independent and impartial journalism, deepen the trust people have in the BBC and meet our audiences wherever they are.
“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.”
She will have responsibility for a team of 4,500 people. She will also be a member of the BBC’s Executive Committee and be paid a salary of £400,000.
