BBC advertising for an ‘impartial’ news editor

THE BBC has advertised for a director of news and listed an understanding of impartiality as one of the “essential” requirements.

The successful applicant will replace Fran Unsworth who leaves in January after a controversial tenure.

Tim Davie, the directorgeneral, has urged external candidates to apply as well as current BBC employees.

The corporation has engaged Korn Ferry, an international executive search company, to lead the recruitment process.

Director of news and current affairs is “a critical BBC appointment”, the advertisement says, and the post holder “will ensure our news and current affairs output meets the BBC’S high standards of impartiality and accuracy”.

The three essential criteria are “strategic leadership” with an ability to provide a “detailed market perspective”; an ability to “set a strong and positive cultural tone” and “extensive and strong editorial leadership capability with a clear understanding of the requirements of impartiality and the BBC’S editorial guidelines”.

The salary is unspecified but Ms Unsworth earned £342,000 per year. The position also comes with a place on the executive board. The news and current affairs department employs almost 6,000 staff.

Ms Unsworth’s final months in the job have been marred by a row over impartiality.

Jess Brammar was appointed as executive news editor last month despite her old tweets, which criticised Brexit and the Government, coming to light.

Sir Robbie Gibb, a former Downing Street communications director and now a BBC board member said her appointment would damage relations with ministers.

He expressed his concerns in a text message to Ms Unsworth, which was then leaked.

Mr Davie has said that impartiality is “mission critical” if the BBC is to maintain public trust.

“I walk a tightrope every day on this, but we’ve got to fight for it,” he said last month.