The BBC has named Rhodri Talfan Davies, its director of nations, as interim director general, taking over from Tim Davie when he steps down at the start of April. Davie resigned in November following a row over the editing of a Donald Trump speech and will remain in post until then.
Davies will join the BBC board as an executive director from February to prepare for the role. He was widely expected to be the caretaker leader as the search for a permanent successor is expected to be lengthy.
The permanent director general will face the major task of negotiating with the government over the BBC's charter renewal and future funding. Davie has contributed ideas on reforming the licence fee and widening the BBC's remit, warning that the corporation faces 'profound jeopardy' without significant changes.
BBC chair Samir Shah praised Davies as 'an outstanding leader' with deep editorial experience. The government's green paper has considered alternative funding models such as advertising or subscriptions, which Shah and Davie oppose.
As director of nations, Davies oversaw investment in BBC programming outside London. Union Bectu welcomed the clarity but cautioned against major restructuring decisions during the search for a permanent successor.
