EXCLUSIVE: Chapter BBC Content has urged staff to “remember our social media guidelines before engaging in any public dialogue” about the shock departure of the BBC's director general and head of news.
In a note to employees seen by Deadline, Kate Phillips said there would be “a lot of speculation in the media and online” which she advised her team to try to avoid.
Phillips reacted to shock resignations from Tim Davy And Deborah Turnesswhich are dominating the news headlines this morning. In fact, Davie was the mastermind behind the new social media rules that came in the wake of the Gary Lineker scandal, one of many he had to deal with during his five-year tenure.
Phillips was effusive in her praise for Davy, who was among those recently tapped to replace Charlotte Moore as the BBC's content manager. “Tim has given 20 years of outstanding service to the BBC and I personally want to thank him for the support he has given me,” she said. “I don't know anyone who worked harder, under more pressure, and remained so resilient. His commitment to public broadcasting was exceptional, and his leadership, imbued with honor and integrity, meant a lot to so many of us.”
Phillips also praised Turness for being “a brilliant colleague and friend to me, and I'm so sad to see her go.”
Phillips' shock seems to be affecting everyone at the Beeb, who is now having to come to terms with the fact that he will soon be without Turness and Davy. Both of their resignations were unexpected and BBC chairman Samir Shah made it clear that he had not asked Davy to resign.
In her note, Phillips tried to refocus the attention on the content, noting: “Celebrity traitors demonstrated brilliant viewing figures, Kingdom there were incredible hours last night, and with Children in need With Sarah Cox's incredible fundraising competition just around the corner today, we continue to be unrivaled in the outstanding content we deliver to millions every week.”
The BBC declined to comment further on Phillips' email.
