Corralled - for now

Missing from the analysis of big name BBC departures over the past year is any weight given to a feeling of being valued, and even loved.  Change at BBC News has been historically slow, with shifts of emphasis coming in a five year pattern - until the financial profligacy of James Harding, fostered by Tony Hall, found the division living way beyond its means, having to make ten years worth of savings in one. 

The re-organisation of the last year is meant to be efficient and dramatically different. However, perhaps responding more to financial calculations than thought-out strategy, its effect has been to drive away many of its most experienced and expensive staff. And that's where the embedded culture of accuracy, impartiality, and, yes, common sense resided.  The investment from the savings seems to be heading to 'digital first' operations, where old-timers think standards and 'news values' are occasionally less than rigorously observed.

The other big move - the centralisation of new coverage decisions - cf Djokovic - gives control to input, rather than output. Traditionally, output also made the big presentation decisions. But now they reside with 'News Content' (nee Newsgathering) just as much as with output. Amol Rajan wants to be Media Editor and presenter; Nick Robinson behaves as 'Political Editor Emeritus' as well as Today host; Huw Edwards gets twitchy just doing bulletins, and heads to Wales to make programmes.  A bit like the Army, the old News Management came together on a regular basis to map out the 'talents' careers, present them with engaging options 'just around the corner' and KEEP THEM HAPPY. 

Now, post-Fran Unsworth, they're in the hands of former ITN man Jonathan Munro, Keeper of the Keys to the Helicopter, who likes scoops, and EFFORT. He cuddles his staff in a monthly/weekly newsletter, so wide-ranging as to celebrate nearly every element of News Content's work. But the Big Beasts of BBC News are restless in the compound, awaiting a sense of direction from Deborah Turness - and unless she arrives soon, more will break out.