BBC appoint new director of sport as broadcaster faces two major decisions

The BBC have appointed Philip Bernie as their interim director of sport following the departure of Barbara Slater, who has taken a step back until she retires this spring.

Bernie initially joined the BBC as a production trainee after leaving university. He became an assistant producer on Grandstand, before later having roles on Football Focus and Match of the Day. During his time at the BBC, Bernie also spent six years as editor of Sports Personality of the Year.

Bernie will now be promoted from his role as head of content for sport productions to take up Slater’s position as the interim director of sport. The BBC have confirmed that the process of finding a permanent successor to Slater is ‘under way’ and interviews will take place over the next few weeks.

Slater announced her retirement after 40 years with the BBC back in September. Speaking at the time, the 64-year-old said: “It was this week 40 years ago that I first walked through the doors at Broadcasting House.

“A career in BBC Sport has been an absolute passion, never just a job. Since joining in 1983 I’ve been privileged to have had such amazing opportunities and the delight of working with such talented colleagues and partners. There are a huge number of people to thank, and so many magical memories to reflect upon.”

Slater, who will retire from the BBC in early spring, has taken a step back from her position as director of sport to ensure continuity and clarity for their external partners. Slater will continue working for the BBC in an advisory capacity until she leaves the broadcasting company.

Bernie’s appointment is the first of two major decisions set to be made by the BBC. The broadcaster is set to decide who the host will be for their new Champions League show, which set to be broadcast on the BBC from September after they struck a three-year deal with UEFA.

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker admitted last year that his “time is nearly up”, while Jermaine Jenas has been heavily linked with replacing the ex-Leicester and Tottenham striker. Lineker namechecked Jenas as a potential replacement, stating that he is “probably drifting more towards my role”.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror Sport in December, Jenas admitted he would be interested in replacing Lineker. “If the opportunity was to arise it’s obviously something I’d have to think about,” he said. Mirror