TV Boss Capping Presenter Pay Surges as Dark Horse BBC Leader

The head of the Irish public broadcaster RTE has become an unexpected contender to take over fromTim Davie. The Daily Mail is aware that Kev...

The head of the Irish public broadcaster RTE has become an unexpected contender to take over fromTim Davie.

The Daily Mail is aware that Kevin Bakhurst is among the leading candidates under consideration asBBCChairman Samir Shah stated the company is currently in 'search mode' after Mr. Davie's departure.

Several people have suggested that the next BBC leader should have a journalism background in order to address the editorial shortcomings.emphasized in a recent internal report that claimedThe company exhibits 'serious and systemic' bias in its reporting.

Mr. Bakhurst, aged 59, started his professional journey with the BBC in 1989, remaining there for 23 years as he progressed to high-level editorial roles, such as controller of the BBC News Channel and deputy director of the newsroom.

The Cambridgegraduate, raised in Hertfordshire, eventually relocated to regulatorOfCom, where he established and advanced editorial guidelines for UK broadcasters and rules for the BBC.

In 2023, Mr. Bakhurst assumed leadership of the Irish national broadcaster with the aim of improving its operations following several controversies, such as high salaries for TV personalities.

He received praise after stating that anyone signing a new contract with RTE would not receive a salary higher than his €250,000 (£220,000), a move that is likely to create frustration among the BBC's highly compensated stars but may be welcomed by those who pay the licence fee.

A source from BBC revealed to the Daily Mail: 'Kevin has gained numerous supporters within Broadcasting House due to how he handled RTE's issues and brought stability back.'

Many believe that is precisely what the BBC requires.

Tim Davie mentioned the demanding nature of the DG role, and Kevin has personal experience managing public attention and negotiating with politicians for financial support.

There are only a handful of individuals with such a high level of expertise, and he is among them.

Mr. Bakhurst remains engaged with the activities of his former employer, as he posted a report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism regarding the BBC's efforts on his LinkedIn account on Tuesday.

"A reminder of the truth - and what's on the line here," he added.

When asked if he would be interested in the leading position at the BBC, Bakhurst did not exclude himself.

"I have a task to accomplish here at RTE alongside wonderful individuals, which I am truly appreciating," he stated.

Other contenders for the £540,000 annual position include Charlotte Moore, the BBC's former content head, and Jane Turton, a television production executive.

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