Fran Unsworth appointed BBC head of news and current affairs after James Harding steps down
Senior journalist began career with BBC on local radio in 1980
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Fran Unsworth has been appointed as the BBC’s director of news and current affairs, following the resignation of James Harding earlier this year.
Ms Unsworth, who will take up the role at the start of the new year, began her journalistic career with the BBC on local radio in 1980.
Her most recent role was director of the BBC World Service Group, during which she oversaw the biggest expansion of the World Service since the 1940s.
“I am delighted to lead BBC News and Current Affairs,” she said in a statement.
“We are living through a period of significant change at home and abroad. In a complex world, the BBC’s journalism matters more than ever.
“I am proud to lead a team of such dedicated and talented people.”
Tony Hall, director-general of the BBC, said: “The Director of News and Current Affairs is one of the most demanding of any in broadcasting.
“News is at the very heart of the BBC. I am delighted Fran Unsworth is taking up the role.
“She brings a combination of excellent news judgement, authority, management knowhow, and the trust of her colleagues both in news and across the BBC.”
After starting her career at the BBC, Ms Unsworth spent some time as a network radio producer in Washington DC before joining Radio 4’s The World At One and PM.
She was appointed the BBC’s home news editor before taking the position of head of political programmes in 2001.
Mr Harding, who was on a £340,000 salary, stepped down as the BBC’s head of news in October, announcing he was planning to launch a new media company.
It is understood that Ms Unsworth's salary will be the same as that of her predecessor.
Earlier this year, the BBC was embroiled in controversy after pay for staff on more than £150,000 showed a gender gap in the earnings of talent working in areas from news to entertainment.
Lord Hall said the broadcaster was “determined” to tackle the issue, and that the “causes tend to be structural - and societal”.
Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans topped the earnings list on more than £2m, while the highest paid woman was Strictly's Claudia Winkleman on between £450,000-£499,999.
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