BBC news editor James Stephenson is stepping up to a new role overseeing enhanced editorial controls of news and current affairs as the corporation takes steps to tighten up compliance on high-risk output.
As executive editor, editorial quality and standards, Stephenson will take the lead on ensuring consistency, quality and impartiality across BBC network news output.
The BBC created the role following its internal review of accuracy breaches in Hoyo Films doc Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone [pictured], which introduced a ‘first gate’ to ‘final gate’ process that requires high-risk programmes to undergo a full series of compliance considerations and background checks prior to a formal commission.
The fallout from that doc resulted in the BBC postponing, and ultimately passing on, Basement Films’ Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which was subsequently picked up by Channel 4.
Stephenson – a BBC news and current affairs veteran who edits BBC1’s 6pm and 10pm flagship bulletins and has also worked on Newsnight and Question Time – will work closely with George Achi, who has a similar brief at the World Service.
The BBC is recruiting for a similar role covering news documentaries and long-form journalism, as well as for Stephenson’s successor as news editor.
