EXCLUSIVE: BBC Information’ seek for its first royal editor has been thrown into uncertainty after the British broadcaster missed out on its high candidate.
Sources instructed Deadline that Roya Nikkhah, The Sunday Occasions royal editor and CBS Information contributor, was BBC Information‘ most well-liked decide, however she has determined to remain put on the Rupert Murdoch-owned newspaper.
Nikkhah was extremely regarded by the BBC having featured in status protection, together with commentating on Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee alongside David Dimbleby. Nikkhah declined to remark.
Two individuals conversant in the method argued that it had turn out to be a “debacle” after the BBC turned away different candidates earlier than Nikkhah elected to stay with The Sunday Occasions.
Interviews for the position happened in June, with different candidates thought to incorporate ITV Information’ royal editor Chris Ship and Rhiannon Mills, Sky Information’ royal correspondent.
Nikkhah’s resolution has raised questions on BBC Information’ urge for food to proceed hiring for the place, which might theoretically be among the many company’s highest-profile on-air roles.
Deadline requested BBC Information twice if it remained dedicated to recruiting a royal editor. The company declined to remark.
BBC Information’ search has turn out to be a months-long saga after the company initially handed over two inner candidates.
Both Mark Easton, BBC Information’ residence editor, or royal correspondent Daniela Relph, have been anticipated to be handed the place in April, however however each have been instructed they’d not been profitable.
There was anger that Easton and Relph have been neglected, with one BBC insider complaining on the time that the “entire factor stinks.”
A number of sources mentioned Easton, a vastly skilled BBC journalist, was requested to finish a written check as a part of his software course of, which one individual mentioned gave the impression of a “GCSE English” examination.
Relph has since been elevated to senior royal correspondent, although sources urged that this promotion was designed to take a seat alongside an editor.
BBC Information has historically appointed royal correspondents, however the company determined to rent an editor final yr forward of the retirement of Nicholas Witchell, a 25-year veteran of the beat.
