The news launch director of GB News, who resigned due to the move from a right-wing broadcaster to exploiting “culture wars”, was appointed director of news for the BBC.
The arrival of John McAndrew to a newly created senior position overseeing programs such as Laura Kuensberg’s Sunday program was seen by the BBC as a sign that CEO Tim Davy is determined to ensure the channel’s news is “unbiased”.
Ministers accused the BBC’s newscasts of reflecting a progressive “awakening” agenda and urged the BBC to do more to reach viewers in Red Wall cities.
Mr. McAndrew has over 25 years of experience in the news and current affairs industry, having held senior positions with the BBC, Sky News, GB News, ITN and NBC International.
As launch director for GB News, he proposed an “anti-revoke” alternative for mainstream broadcasters that would focus on local reporting and lively debates between anchors.
He resigned a month after the channel’s chaotic launch over a dispute over host Gutto Hari, who was banned from broadcasting live due to a knee injury.
Mr. McAndrew dismissed what he saw as a shift from local news to presenters delivering compelling diatribes on “culture war” issues. Most recently, he was the launch editor The Andrew Neal Show on channel 4. He was warned about his appearance on the BBC a year ago.
At the BBC, he is looking for new formats to attract viewers with digital skills at a time when the linear use of 24/7 news channels is under threat.
In-house news channel BBC News is teaming up with its global news service to cut costs, but the channel is attracting new audiences with formats like Ros Atkins. External source who weaves big stories into short, viral “explanations”.
Mr. McAndrew, formerly daily politics on BBC Two said: “I am honored to be back at BBC News and to use my experience at the world’s most brilliant, creative and trusted broadcaster at a time when trust, truth and transparency are absolutely essential.”
He was linked to the top BBC News position, which eventually passed to then-ITN boss Deborah Turnness, to whom McAndrew would now report.
Ms Turns said: “John is a huge creative talent with excellent editorial judgment. He is a leading programming innovator with a deep understanding of how to engage with audiences and ensure they get the value they deserve from BBC News. It’s a pleasure to welcome him back to the BBC.”
Before becoming Editor and Director of News and Programming at GB News, McAndrew spent over a decade at Sky News, where he was Executive Producer of Sky’s election coverage. debate leaders in 2010.
The News Director’s job description required “someone who can impartially and accurately convey the BBC’s commitment to finding the truth to create bold, engaging programming that brings our editorial standards to life and has real ‘value for all’ UK consumers and deliveries.” around the world”.
Source: I News
I am Harvey Rodriguez, an experienced news reporter and author with 24 News Reporters. My main areas of expertise are in entertainment and media. I have a passion for uncovering stories about the people behind the scenes that bring the entertainment world to life. I take pride in providing my readers with timely and accurate information on all aspects of the entertainment industry.