5 August 2008
BBC's Newsnight editor takes comms role at Google
Peter Barron moves on, but doesn't rule out returning to the BBC.
Peter Barron, editor of Newsnight (pictured, right) will be leaving the BBC in September, to start a new position as search engine Google's head of communications and public affairs for the UK, Ireland and Benelux regions.
D-J Collins, Google's director of communications and public affairs for Europe, Middle East and Africa says, "We're delighted that Peter is joining us, he has a wealth of experience and will be a great addition to our team."
Success with new media
Barron, who's been in his present role for 4 years, introduced several digital media features such as daily emails and a vodcast for Newsnight. A commendable achievement, considering that that the show's presenter Jeremy Paxman has publically criticized these innovations on many occasions.
Furthermore, cynicism surrounding social media is often rife in institutions as old and established as the BBC.
Friends of Barron say it was only a matter of time before he took a position like this, given that he has such a keen interest in digital media. However, it's claimed that he hasn't ruled out returning to the BBC in the future.
Best UK workplace
Barron told MediaGuardian.co.uk: "Google is the most interesting and exciting company of my lifetime and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work there."
Google is the most interesting and exciting company of my lifetime, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work there.
The Hub reported in June that Google was voted the best workplace in the UK and second best in Europe, after Microsoft, according to the Financial Times list of best companies to work for.
An illustrious career in television
Starting his career as a news trainee at the BBC, Barron then moved on to Channel 4 News in 1998, and in 2002 joined ITV1's Tonight With Trevor McDonald as deputy editor, where he oversaw the program's coverage of the second Iraq conflict.
Barron rejoined the BBC in 2003 as editor of current affairs drama documentary series If before becoming Newsnight's editor.
Excited about his next role, Barron says, "I've enjoyed every minute of editing Newsnight and will miss the fantastic team here, and I'm hugely looking forward to this new challenge."
More BBC communications staff shifts
Meanwhile, ex-BBC Newsnight director, Sue Turbett (pictured, right), has joined internal communications agency Headlines Corporate News to lead the company’s expanding video service for corporate clients.
Formerly, Turbett has worked as a journalist, producer and director on a range of BBC news and current affairs programs. Her skills are particularly relevant to internal communication – where critical criteria include:
- fast turnaround from initial idea to final delivery;
- minimal disruption;
- on-the-spot editing;
- coaching of subjects; and
- working to high production standards on limited budgets.
Growth area for internal comms
Turbett said: “Our niche is creating short video packages that tell a story or communicate messages like company results, strategic announcements, product launches or face-to-face messages to employees."
We host and stream on the web so it can be delivered to employees via the intranet. This is a huge growth area for internal communication.
“Much of our work we host and stream on the web so it can be delivered simultaneously to a company’s employees via the intranet. This is definitely a huge growth area for internal communication.”
Have your say
How do you communicate people moves at your organization? This is Peter Barron's first communication role – what advice would you offer him as he prepares for the transition?
Discuss these issues with other comms practitioners by joining the Internal Comms Hub members' group on the Communicators' Network.
Recommended resources:
BBC leadership's virtual conversation with staff
Hub member profile: Michelle Stribling, Google
Grossman to leave BBC for civil service change role
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