Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jess Brammar takes up new role as editorial executive of BBC content

She takes over from Rachel Jupp who is moving to the US.

Ellie Iorizzo
Thursday 26 October 2023 11:28 EDT
Jess Brammar had been head of BBC news channels (Damon Dahlen/BBC/PA)
Jess Brammar had been head of BBC news channels (Damon Dahlen/BBC/PA) (PA Media)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The head of BBC news channels Jess Brammar has been named as the new editorial executive of BBC content.

During her time at the corporation, Ms Brammar has overseen the launch of the new BBC News channel in April 2023, following the merger with BBC World News to create a single 24-hour TV channel.

She will take over the role from former editorial executive Rachel Jupp next week when she returns from parental leave, the PA news agency understands.

In an internal memo from the BBC’s chief content officer, Charlotte Moore said Ms Brammar would be “a key member of my senior team” and use her experience to advise and co-ordinate output and editorial changes.

In September 2021, Ms Brammar hit the headlines following claims BBC board member Sir Robbie Gibb had tried to block her from being hired as the corporation’s news editor on political grounds.

It came after her impartiality was questioned when old tweets emerged in which she was critical of Brexit and the prime minister.

At the time, director of BBC News Fran Unsworth said: “BBC journalists are hired from a variety of different backgrounds, but while working at the BBC, they leave any personal opinions at the door.

“Any individual should be judged on how they do their job at the BBC, not on what they have done in different organisations with very different objectives. It is extremely disappointing that anyone should receive public and personal criticism – or online abuse – simply for applying for a job at the BBC.”

Ms Brammar was previously the editor-in-chief of HuffPost UK and before that worked as deputy editor of BBC Two’s Newsnight, before stepping up as joint acting editor during which time the programme won several Royal Television Society (RTS) awards.

Paul Royall will continue in his role as acting executive news editor while the BBC recruits a permanent replacement.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in