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| - The BBC on Friday announced the appointment of a senior insider as its new director general, inheriting a tough brief with questions over funding, impartiality and equal pay demands. Tim Davie, who currently heads the BBC Studios commercial arm, will take over from Tony Hall in the wide-ranging role of chief executive officer and editor-in-chief in September. Hall announced in January he would be standing down, citing the need for new leadership before talks begin with the government over the BBC's future funding and status. Davie said the BBC's mission had "never been more relevant, important or necessary" and he has "a deep commitment to content of the highest quality and impartiality". "We will need to accelerate change so that we serve all our audiences in this fast-moving world," he added in a statement. "Much great work has been done, but we will continue to reform, make clear choices and stay relevant." Hall, who took up the post in 2013, praised his successor as "a fantastic leader" and said he knows "the BBC is in safe hands". The BBC is largely funded through a compulsory licence fee of all viewers with TV sets. But the model has come under scrutiny given new ways to consume entertainment via subscription and streaming services. Hall earlier this year announced plans to eliminate 450 newsroom jobs to cut costs, although the departures were put on hold because of the demands of covering the coronavirus outbreak. An equal-pay ruling in which an employment tribunal ruled the BBC discriminated against a female presenter has meanwhile opened the door to many other claims. Future legal action could end up costing the corporation millions of pounds. At the same time, the BBC has had to fend off accusations of bias in political reporting from both Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the main opposition Labour party. The government has indicated it wants the licence fee funding model to change, saying all public service broadcasters "must adapt" to the changing media landscape. It announced plans in February to stop prosecuting people who do not pay the annual surcharge. The proposed move, to take effect in April 2022 following a consultation, has sparked concerns about its future funding, as the BBC does not carry advertising. The annual fee -- currently set at £154.50 (172 euros, $195) -- generated £3.69 billion for the BBC last year, allowing it to operate free from commercial constraints. The funding model is guaranteed until 2027 but the government has indicated it is looking at different ways to do this in future ahead of negotiations with the broadcaster. David Clementi, chairman of the BBC Board which selected Davie, said he was "one of the most respected names in the industry". "His leadership and experience, both outside the BBC and within, will ensure that we are well placed to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming years," he added. Davie, who has worked as an executive at the BBC for 15 years, also has past experience at Pepsico and Procter and Gamble and in the charitable sector. jj/phz/wai
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