The Atkins Method

I'm ambivalent about the appointment of Ros Atkins as the BBC's first Analysis Editor. 

First, it's a welcome acknowledgement for a presenter whose topical, well-written, evidenced  pull-together pieces for Outside Source have rightly picked up online views and high-level praise for their clarity. 

However, it's the sort of reporting that should be widened, not funnelled through one generalist. And it brings Ros into the spidery web of News Content, née Newsgathering.  For it is Richard Burgess, Interim Senior Controller, News Content who makes the announcement: “Ros’ ability to innovate on digital platforms, combined with his analytical skills, will be fundamental to the role. The On-Air editor role will be crucial in debunking misinformation and seeking the truth through examining data and open-source journalism.”

Many other correspondents and bulletin editors could have constructed such pieces over the years, but they would have been pooh-poohed. Too long, not strong enough visually, too many words, not filmed outside London, what's the headline, and worse, not fronted by one of our 'team'.   Innovative ?  Old-fashioned Birtism.