BBC News director sets out priorities as cuts loom

BBC News will outline further savings proposals this month as its new director calls for more original reporting across the organisation.

Rachel Jupp has set out her priorities on her first day as Director of BBC News and Current Affairs, with plans to increase investigations, develop new ways of reaching audiences and make the division more efficient.

In a message to staff, Rachel acknowledged the uncertainty caused by leadership changes and the need to make savings, saying that further proposals would be announced during October, with more changes to follow.

She wants BBC journalists to focus on original reporting, analysis and investigations while adapting how stories are delivered across different platforms.
Rachel said the BBC needed to respond to changing news consumption habits, particularly among younger people, acknowledging that “too many of them, particularly younger audiences, aren’t finding us.”

She added that the organisation needed to test new ideas and judge success on results rather than simply the amount of activity taking place.

Technology and innovation will also be used to improve efficiency as BBC News works within its available budget, although no specific changes to radio news programmes or services were announced.

Addressing the financial situation, Rachel told staff: “We will set out some of our proposals this month and others will come later.”

She thanked Jonathan Munro for providing leadership over the previous eleven months and Fiona Crack for overseeing the World Service during that period.

Rachel previously worked at Channel 4 News before joining the BBC as Deputy Editor of Newsnight and subsequently becoming Editor of Panorama. Her more recent responsibilities have included BBC Content, generative AI and News Documentaries and Long Form.

She plans to visit newsrooms across the UK and meet international teams, while encouraging closer working relationships with colleagues in Nations and Local, Content and Studios.
An all staff call is planned for Wednesday, when employees will have an opportunity to question her about the future direction of BBC News.