Jonathan Munro, the senior BBC news executive who prematurely announced on Twitter that Laura Kuenssberg had been appointed as its new political editor, should know all about the perils of social media.
It was Munro who sent an email reminding staff of the sensitivities around Twitter ahead of the BBC’s rehearsal of a major royal death last month, only for a journalist to mistakenly tweet out the “news” as fact.
“I’d also ask for your help in refraining from any external conversations and all social media activity about this exercise,” the head of newsgathering told news staff.
Perhaps the same guidelines should now be applied to BBC appointments after Munro tweeted – and then deleted – Kuenssberg’s new job on Wednesday afternoon.
@MatthewBayley @jonathancmunro @bbclaurak pic.twitter.com/vQKlKt7F3a
— John Stevens (@johnestevens) July 22, 2015
It wasn’t until three hours later that the BBC felt comfortable enough to officially confirm the appointment, presumably after a hasty ring-round to all involved.
The morning after the tweet before, Munro was in contrite mood. At least, he was the last time we looked. Maybe he’s deleted it.
Apols for slight finger trouble in jumping the gun earlier. But the main thing is hearty congrats to @bbclaurak. She'll be excellent
— Jonathan Munro (@jonathancmunro) July 22, 2015
As for Kuenssberg, who was unaware she had got the job when the first tweet went out, she was “thrilled, delighted, shocked and in awe” at the news, however she received it.
Thrilled to be returning to wonderful @BBCPolitics team full time, but thanks to colleagues at #Newsnight and @iankatz1000 for a great time!
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) July 22, 2015
Delighted, shocked and in awe of following the peerless @bbcnickrobinson ! Thank you so VERY much for all the kind messages and tweets
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) July 22, 2015
