BBC appoints Rachel Jupp as director of news and current affairs

The BBC has appointed a new director of news and current affairs amid a challenging time at the corporation.Rachel Jupp, director of BBC News documentaries and longform journalism, will take on the role nearly a year after the previous chief executive resigned.Deborah Turness stood down in November last year in the fallout over how Panorama edited a speech by US President Donald Trump.Deborah Turness (James Manning/PA)PA ArchiveMs Jupp’s previous roles include editorial executive for BBC Content, editor of Panorama and deputy editor of Newsnight.She joined the BBC in 2013 and will begin her new role this month.BBC director-general Matt Brittin said: “Rachel is an outstanding editorial leader, widely regarded for her news judgment, fairness and high standards.“She brings a clarity of vision for the future, and the determined, collaborative approach needed to strengthen BBC News.“In a world of infinite choice, audiences are fragmenting, trust is scarce and facts are contested.“BBC News remains the most used and most trusted news provider around the world and across the UK.“It is our duty to recommit to the BBC’s distinctive journalistic mission while reinventing how we serve audiences, and to rise to these challenges.“In Rachel, we have someone who can do both, with a fresh perspective to lead BBC News into a new era.”Mr Brittin thanked BBC News global director Jonathan Munro, adding: “I would like to thank Jonathan Munro for his professionalism and leadership of BBC News in the past 11 months.“I have been personally grateful for his deep experience, calm head and steady hand.“He will return to his substantive role as deputy director of News and BBC News global director when Rachel starts.”Ms Jupp said: “I’m honoured to be asked to lead BBC News.“I want to champion our vital, independent and impartial journalism, deepen the trust people have in the BBC and meet our audiences wherever they are.BBC director-general Matt Brittin (Lucy North/PA)PA Wire“I’m grateful to Matt for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with our dedicated, brilliant teams across the UK and around the world.”Read MoreShe will have responsibility for a team of 4,500 people.The BBC announced plans in June to make £160 million to £500 million in savings across the news, nations and content divisions by 2028/29.Around 2,000 jobs are expected to be cut.The broadcaster most recently announced 41 job losses at BBC Sport.The BBC’s latest annual report detailed how the corporation’s financial outlook “deteriorated” in the second half of 2025.