20-12-2022, 02:26 PM
(22-10-2022, 03:29 AM)simon Wrote:Yeah, there are a series of Senior Editors who can authorise a Category One announcement and that is based around roles (rather than individuals) and based on the concept of escalating a story depending on its nature.(21-10-2022, 07:23 PM)Steve in Pudsey Wrote: Wouldn't radio (and online) have required the same approval?
Of course in that particular circumstance where the news was anticipated you could imagine him pre-authorising the Editors on duty to go ahead as soon as the PA and/or Palace twitter announced it.
My understanding from friends who work there is that there is a list of senior figures from BBC News - which does not include the DG - who can authorise the announcement of a royal death.
It would make sense for the DG to not be on the list, as they are not neccessarily someone with any journalistic experience. It also makes sense for it to be a list of people rather than an individual, so that authorisation can still be obtained if one person isn't reachable.
While the idea of waking the DG in the middle of the night to authorise an announcement is a long gone one, the Directorate are also still kept closely briefed on any announcements of 'national and international importance' (as we saw with bods suddenly appearing in the newsroom/gallery).