Corporation’s news boss to set up rival with ‘clear agenda’
THE head of news and current affairs at the BBC has left to launch a media outlet unrestricted by impartiality rules.
James Harding, 48, said there were stories the BBC “can’t and probably shouldn’t do” as he looked forward to producing journalism with “a clear point of view”.
He has run BBC news for four years and was touted as a future directorgeneral. Sources said he had raised significant funds for his new venture.
“There is some journalism that the BBC, for all its brilliance, can’t and probably shouldn’t do. And that’s what I want to explore: I am going to start a media company with a distinct approach to news and a clear point of view.”
Harding, a former editor of The Times, praised the BBC’S “agenda-setting coverage of politics, business and the society we live in”, and said: “Even when we’re pedalling into the wind, life at the BBC is rewarding and worthwhile.” He leaves the corporation on Jan 1.
Lord Hall of Birkenhead, the director general, listed the appointment of Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC’S first female political editor, among Harding’s achievements. He said: “In the years James has been with us he’s played an important part in modernising and changing the BBC, but beyond that, he has been a first-class colleague and a pleasure to work with. We wish him every success with his new venture.”