BBC Director of Sport announces exit six months after Gary Lineker MOTD row
BBC Director of Sport Barbara Slater has confirmed she will be retiring next spring after 40 years with the broadcasting company.
Slater, 64, initially joined the BBC in 1983 as an trainee Assistant Producer after competing in the Olympics and coming second in the British Championships as a gymnast. She progressed through the ranks at the BBC, before replacing Roger Mosey as the Director of Sport in 2009.
During her time in the role, Slater oversaw the BBC’s coverage of the 2012 London Olympics and won back the broadcasting rights of the FA Cup. However, Slater did see the loss of full-time Formula One coverage from free-to-air broadcasting to a shared agreement with Sky Sports, and the loss of The Open Championship in 2015.
Most recently, Slater was at the heart of the Match of the Day row that saw several sports presenters and pundits boycott the show in support of Gary Lineker. The ex-England striker was taken off air back in March over his comments comparing the government's language around its then new asylum seeker policy with 1930s Germany.
The decision sparked outrage among viewers and fans alike, before the BBC and Lineker came to a conclusion as the 62-year-old was once more reinstated to his position. At the height of the storm, Slater sent an email to staff apologising for the unsettling nature of the row.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
She signed off a limited sports output, which saw the corporation's flagship sport show reduced to a 20-minute highlight only affair. However, after one week away from presenting Match of the Day, Lineker was back for the FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley.
Six months after the incident and Slater has decided to announce she will be stepping away from the role. Reflecting on her time at the BBC, Slater 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.
Barbara Slater working at the FIFA Women's Football Convention in 2019 (Hannah Peters - FIFA)"There are a huge number of people to thank, and so many magical memories to reflect upon."
She added: "I also hope that in showcasing the brilliance of women’s sport the BBC has played its part in changing attitudes, increasing its profile and inspiring the next generation.
"I must also make special mention of the Olympic Games having been a competitor in 1976 and then leading the sport teams covering a home Games in 2012. It was a monumental achievement for the BBC and everyone involved, as the UK hosted a sensational Olympics in London.
"I will be following the BBC’s coverage of Paris next summer, this time as a proud sports fan."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
