BBC names Rhodri Talfan Davies as interim general director

"The BBC has named senior executive Rhodri Talfan Davies as its interim general director, as the corporation continues the search for a permanent replacement for Tim Davie. Davie, who resigned in November after the row over the BBC's editing of a Donald Trump speech, will remain in the role until the start of April. Talfan Davies will then take over."

"Davie's permanent successor will have the huge task of heading talks with the government over the future of the corporation's charter, including its future funding. It is understood Davie has been working on that process and has contributed his own ideas on how the BBC's licence fee should be reformed and its remit widened, with media viewing habits changing fast and audiences heading to digital platforms like YouTube."

"In a note sent to staff, the BBC's chair, Samir Shah, said Talfan Davies was an outstanding leader who brings deep editorial experience and a passionate commitment to the power of public service broadcasting to reach and represent audiences across all parts of the UK. I know you will give him your support, he said. There will be a time to celebrate Tim and thank him for his extraordinary contribution to the BBC nearer his departure date."

The BBC has named senior executive Rhodri Talfan Davies as interim general director while the corporation searches for a permanent successor to Tim Davie. Tim Davie resigned in November after controversy over editing a Donald Trump speech and will remain in post until early April. Talfan Davies joins the BBC board from February as an executive director to prepare for taking over. The permanent successor will lead government talks on the BBC charter and future funding, including licence fee reform and remit changes as audiences shift to digital platforms. BBC chair Samir Shah praised Talfan Davies and asked staff to support him.

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