Full in-tray of challenges to greet Deborah Turness as new BBC News boss
The former chief executive of ITN takes over the role during a turbulent period for the broadcaster.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As chief executive of ITN and president of American news channel NBC News Deborah Turness tackled issues including the digitisation of newsrooms and the pressures of the pandemic.
However, she faces a full in-tray when she takes over from Fran Unsworth as chief executive of news and current affairs at the BBC.
The broadcaster must deal with a series of challenges including cuts, competition from streaming giants, and questions about its impartiality.
– Impartiality
The BBC has faced increased scrutiny over the issue and, upon becoming director-general in September 2020, Tim Davie said it was time to “renew” the corporation’s commitment to impartiality.
In October, the broadcaster unveiled plans for its “biggest and most significant push” in response to a review led by Arts Council England chairman Sir Nicholas Serota into its governance and culture.
The BBC published a 10-point plan focused on impartiality, editorial standards and whistleblowing to ensure its content is fair, accurate and unbiased.
Turness will be tasked with helping to implement this.
– Cuts and savings
The BBC has culled its news board amid cuts and job losses in the division and an £80 million savings plan.
Five roles, including that held by editorial director Kamal Ahmed, have been closed and plans to “modernise its newsroom” mean around 450 jobs are being cut across the organisation as it continues its efforts to move out of London.
– Licence fee
A settlement over the BBC licence fee is expected to be signed off by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries by the end of January, according to reports.
The fee could be held below inflation, meaning a real-terms cut in funding at a time when the BBC is facing substantial financial pressure.
– Competition from streaming services
The BBC faces a growing threat over viewers and talent from streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon.
Director-general Davie has warned that the corporation is losing stars and creators in a “red hot” battle, pointing to Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s deal with Amazon, thought to be in the region of eight figures.
– High-profile replacements
Turness’s arrival comes amid changes in the BBC’s on-air staff.
Andrew Marr is leaving the corporation for media company Global and Laura Kuenssberg is stepping down as political editor.
Both hiring processes are ongoing and face scrutiny from outside the BBC.
– Controversy over Jess Brammar
Jess Brammar, former editor-in-chief of HuffPost UK and acting editor of Newsnight, was confirmed as the BBC’s executive news editor of news channels last year.
However, her impartiality was questioned after old tweets emerged in which she was critical of Brexit and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
BBC chairman Richard Sharp defended the hiring process and told the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee that such appointments are “a matter for the director-general and the executive team”.
– Uncertainty over the future of flagship news programmes
Unsworth warned in August 2020 that the BBC’s News At Six and News At Ten could fade from television screens as the corporation’s coverage shifts to digital.
She told the Telegraph that within a decade news will be “in the digital space”, where it will be accessed by iPlayer.