Jonathan Munro has been appointed as BBC News Global Director, overseeing the BBC’s international news services.
Beginning in September, Munro will be Director of the BBC World Service, oversee BBC Monitoring and remain Deputy CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs.
Munro is currently BBC Director of Journalism and Deputy CEO of BBC News.
He joined the BBC in 2014. He recently led the transformation of the BBC’s business in India, putting in place a new structure and operating model.
For most of 2022, Munro acted as Interim Director of BBC News. During this period, he sat on the BBC Board and the Director General’s Executive Committee.
He was previously at ITN for 26 years, joining as an editorial trainee and going on to work as a correspondent in the UK, Europe and around the world. Munro covered the Balkans war, both Gulf wars, and the Beijing and London Olympics. He has worked extensively in the US, Russia and Africa, and was Europe Correspondent for three years and Political News Editor for two.
Munro received an RTS Judges’ Award for negotiating the UK’s first televised Prime Ministerial debates in 2010.
He said: “I am thrilled and daunted in equal measure to be taking on the enormous responsibilities of leading the BBC World Service, along with other international activities for our global audiences.
“As I’ve travelled around the world with the BBC over the last decade or so, everywhere I have been I’ve been told of the enduring value of impartial news, in English and our more than 40 other languages. The need for independent news is growing, not shrinking, and the BBC’s role in pursuing truth and enriching knowledge has never been more important.
“The BBC teams I have met across the world are dedicated, professional and talented. I can’t wait to start working with them all.”
BBC News CEI Deborah Turness said: “I know at first hand the qualities Jonathan will bring to this vital role – his leadership, his expertise, and above all, his journalistic integrity.
“The BBC is a truly global broadcaster and the World Service is a priceless asset – the world’s most trusted international news provider. In a world of disinformation and diminishing freedom of speech, it is more needed than ever, and I’m delighted Jonathan will be taking its helm, and that of all BBC News’ international services.”
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