EXCLUSIVE: The head of BBC content has urged staff to “remember our social media guidelines before engaging in any public dialogue” about the shock exits of the BBC Director General and head of news.
In a note to staff, seen by Deadline, Kate Phillips said there will be “plenty of speculation in the media and online,” which she told her team to try and avoid.
Phillips was reacting to the shock resignations of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness, which are dominating news headlines this morning. Davie was in fact the mastermind behind the new social media guidelines, which came about after the Gary Lineker scandal, one of many he had to deal with during his five-year tenure.
Phillips was effusive with her praise for Davie, who was one of the people who recently promoted her to replace Charlotte Moore as BBC content boss. “Tim has given 20 years of extraordinary service to the BBC and on a personal note, I want to thank him for the support he’s given me,” she said. “I’ve not known anyone who has worked harder, under more pressure, and remained so resilient. His commitment to public service broadcasting has been extraordinary, and his leadership, with honour and integrity woven throughout, has meant a great deal to so many of us.”
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Phillips also praised Turness for being a “a brilliant colleague and friend to me, and I’m so sad she’s going.”
Phillips’ shock appears reflected across the board at the Beeb, which is today having to get used to the fact that it is soon to be without Turness and Davie. Both their resignations came out the blue and BBC Chair Samir Shah has been clear he did not ask Davie to step down.
In her note, Phillips tried to turn the focus back to the content, pointing out: “The Celebrity Traitors has delivered brilliant viewing figures, Kingdom was an incredible watch last night, and with Children in Need just around the corner and Sara Cox’s incredible fundraising challenge kicking off today, we continue to be unrivalled in the outstanding content we deliver to millions every week.”
The BBC declined further comment on Phillips’ email.