Category: BBC;
News;
World
Service; Radio
4; BBC
7
Date: 22.07.2004
Printable version
The BBC has
today (Thursday) announced important executive changes in the leadership
of its UK and international news operations.
Richard Sambrook is to become Director of the
BBC's World Service & Global News division, responsible for developing
the BBC's overall global news strategy across radio, TV and new media.
He will be succeeded as Director of BBC News by Helen
Boaden, currently Controller of Radio 4 and BBC 7.
Helen will be responsible for all UK-wide news and
current affairs across radio, television and new media and for all BBC
News staff, including Newsgathering.
Richard and Helen will take up their new appointments
in September.
They will both be members of the BBC's new Journalism
Board, reporting to Deputy Director-General Mark Byford, together with
Pat Loughrey, Director Nations & Regions, and Stephen Whittle, Controller
of Editorial Policy.
The BBC's Director-General Mark Thompson said today:
"Richard and Helen are the right people to lead these two vital
parts of the BBC's journalism in the future as we continue to strengthen
and develop our output both in the UK and around the world."
Mark Byford, Deputy DG and head of all the BBC's journalism,
said: "After nearly four years as Director of BBC News Richard
Sambrook will provide fresh leadership of the BBC's global news role,
which has been given high prominence in the BBC's manifesto Building
Public Value.
"Helen Boaden has been a superb controller of Radio
4. Her strong leadership, experience and insight make her the outstanding
person to lead BBC News in the future."
Richard Sambrook said: "I've devoted my professional
life to BBC journalism so I'm delighted to have the opportunity to lead
the BBC's international news services at such a crucial time for audiences
around the world.
"To take the great strengths and heritage of the
World Service and build on them across radio, TV and new media will
be an enormous challenge and a great privilege."
Helen Boaden said: "BBC journalism has a unique
place in the lives of our audience.
"It's a privilege to be asked to lead the team
who will ensure that BBC News remains robust, original, independent
and fair.
"I love Radio 4 and have had a truly wonderful
time there but this is a huge and exciting new challenge which I shall
relish."
The BBC also confirmed the appointment of Nigel Chapman
as Director of the World Service, reporting to Richard Sambrook on all
World Service activities.
Nigel has been Acting Director, World Service since
February.
Anne Barnard, Chief Operating Officer for BBC
World, and Sian Kevill, Editorial Director BBC World, will also
report directly to Richard.
Jenny Abramsky, Director of Radio & Music, will
be advertising the post of Controller, Radio 4 and BBC 7 shortly with
a view to making an appointment as soon as possible.
