The BBC has announced Rachel Jupp as the new director of BBC News, succeeding Deborah Turness, who stepped down last year. Jupp, formerly deputy editor of BBC Two's Newsnight and editor of Panorama, will take on the role amid ongoing cost-cutting measures across the corporation.
Salary and predecessor's exit
Jupp's salary has been confirmed at £400,000, slightly less than Turness, who earned £445,000 and £449,999 in her final year before leaving. Turness resigned after it emerged that Panorama had edited a speech by US President Donald Trump, who is taking legal action over the matter. In her resignation letter, Turness said: "While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear, recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong."
Jupp said she is "honoured to be asked to lead BBC News," while new director-general Matt Brittain described her as an "outstanding editorial leader".
Job cuts and morale
Jupp will oversee around 4,500 staff as the BBC continues to reduce its news division. The corporation has announced 550 job losses so far, with plans to cut between 1,800 and 2,000 roles in total to save £500m over two years. Morale is reportedly low, with one insider telling The Guardian: "We have our problems, but we seem to be creating new ones," and another adding: "The bloodletting continues."
It is expected that BBC Scotland and BBC Three will become online-only channels to save money, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Legal case and ongoing challenges
The appointment follows a difficult year for the BBC, which faces a $10 billion lawsuit from Trump over a Panorama episode that spliced together two parts of his 2021 speech shortly before the Capitol riots on January 6. The case is scheduled for trial in the US in 2027. The BBC has apologised for the error but rejected Trump's demand for compensation.
