BBC Sport director Barbara Slater to retire in 2024

Barbara Slater, the first female director of BBC Sport, has announced that she will be retiring from the BBC in spring next year.

A former International gymnast and Olympian, Slater joined the BBC in 1983 as a trainee assistant producer in the Natural History Unit before moving into BBC Sport, specialising in outside broadcasts and overseeing the production of a range of sports including tennis and golf. After promotions to roles including Head of Production and then Head of General Sports, Barbara was appointed to Director of Sport in April 2009.

Slater is credited with transforming BBC Sport during her 14 years in the role, helping to change attitudes and increase the profile and interest of women’s sport and overseeing the growth and evolution of BBC Sport’s digital services.

Read more BBC’s Barbara Slater wins SVG Europe Women Achievement Award

In addition, Slater brought the FA Cup and cricket back to BBC television and has overseen the production of many Crown Jewel sporting events which includes 14 Men’s and Women’s Football World Cups and European Championships, seven summer and Winter Olympic Games, including London 2012 plus Wimbledon, the Six Nations and Match of the Day.

In a statement, the BBC also said that she had future-proofed live sport on the public service broadcaster with a long-term rights legacy in place. These include Wimbledon up to and including 2027, the UEFA Men’s football European Championships in 2028, the Olympics up to 2032, Champions League and a strategy in place for how the BBC brings these sporting moments to audiences across TV, Sounds, iPlayer and the BBC website.

Tim Davie, BBC director general, said: “Barbara has had an extraordinary career at the BBC – a pioneer, innovator and outstanding leader – she has kept the BBC at the forefront of sport for a generation. I wish her well. She will leave the BBC with a tremendous legacy.”

Barbara Slater, foreground centre, along with members of the SVG Europe Women Advisory Board. Left to right: Roisin McKeniry, Timeline TV; Heather McLean, SVG Europe; Anna Lockwood, Telstra; Lise Cosimi, then industry consultant; Paula Rigby, industry consultant; and Jennifer Angell, industry consultant

Charlotte Moore, chief content officer, added: “Barbara has had an extraordinary career at the BBC and leaves a legacy few will ever be able to replicate. She is a much-respected leader, a real trailblazer for women in the industry who can proudly say she has inspired the next generation.

Slater was Awarded the OBE in 2014 for services to sport broadcasting and other awards include the Women in TV and film Inspirational Women prize in 2012 following the BBC’s successful broadcast of the London Olympics – the biggest TV event in British broadcasting history. In 2020, she was presented with the inaugural SVG Europe Women Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in sports broadcasting and her continued impact on women in sports television. She was also presented with the IBC2021 International Honour for Excellence.

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. There are a huge number of people to thank, and so many magical memories to reflect upon.

“From being in the director’s chair for occasions like Pete Sampras’ 7th Wimbledon triumph, to leading the move to Salford, seeing the extraordinary growth of our digital services and new talent excel. 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.”