All posts tagged: DirectorGeneral

News diary 18-24 May: Starmer faces PMQs amid leadership woes, new BBC director-general, Premier League finale

News diary 18-24 May: Starmer faces PMQs amid leadership woes, new BBC director-general, Premier League finale

Published by Sam Flores

Keir Starmer stands outside 10 Downing Street as he delivers his first speech as prime minister in 2024. Picture: Michael Tubi It’s another crunch week coming up for Keir Starmer after Labour leadership rivals Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham made moves on Thursday in an attempt to force the prime minister into an orderly departure. But Streeting’s failure to produce the required numbers to trigger an immediate leadership contest means Starmer may yet have time to defend his position, with a by-election victory for Burnham by no means a sure thing after the local election results. It’s been business as usual so far from the PM, but he may need to offer more of a direct response to his challengers next week before returning to the despatch box for the first PMQs of the new session. One of the Prime Minister’s key allies, Rachel Reeves, is due to set out measures to help families and businesses struggling due to the effects of the Middle East conflict, though it remains to be seen whether the Chancellor’s …

BBC announces former Google boss Matt Brittin as new director-general | Ents & Arts News

BBC announces former Google boss Matt Brittin as new director-general | Ents & Arts News

Published by Daniella Wilson

Former ‌Google executive Matt Brittin has been announced as the BBC’s new director-general. He replaces the outgoing director-general Tim Davie, who announced his resignation in November after five years in the role, following criticism over the editing ⁠of a Panorama video ​clip of US President Donald Trump. “Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world,” Mr Brittin, 57, said in a statement. “At its best, it shows us, and the world, who we are. It’s an extraordinary, uniquely British asset, with over 100 years of innovation in storytelling, technology and powering creativity.” Image: Matt Brittin. Pic: BBC Mr Davie will leave the BBC next week, with Rhodri Talfan Davies, the broadcaster’s director of nations, leading in the interim period before Mr Brittin takes over on 18 May. Mr Brittin will have a salary of £565,000 and intends to appoint a deputy, the corporation said. Saying he was “honoured and excited” to take on the role, Mr Brittin added: “Working alongside so many …

BBC Names Rhodri Talfan Davies Interim Director-General

BBC Names Rhodri Talfan Davies Interim Director-General

Published by Daniella Wilson

After an explosive memo knocked down the BBC‘s top brass, the British public broadcaster confirmed director-general Tim Davie would stand down, on Wednesday detailing an interim leader when his departure happens at the start of April. On Wednesday, the BBC board said that Rhodri Talfan Davies, currently the BBC’s director of nations, will become interim director-general until the position is filled permanently. “To enable a smooth transition in the coming weeks,” said the BBC, the executive will join the board from Feb. 1 as an executive director, a position he will continue to hold when he takes over from Davie on an interim basis on April 3. In a note to staff, BBC chair Samir Shah said: “There will be a time to celebrate Tim and thank him for his extraordinary contribution to the BBC nearer his departure date. Until then, Tim continues to lead the corporation through this critical period as we prepare our response to the government’s consultation on its Green Paper on the future of the BBC Charter.” On Rhodri’s appointment, Shah …