James Harding (48) has quit as the boss of BBC News and will be starting his own media company.
James Harding will leave the British Broadcasting Corporation in early 2018 where he has been director of news and current affairs.
James Harding in an email to BBC staffers says "There is some journalism that the BBC, for all its brilliance, can't, and probably shouldn't, do. And that's what I want to explore: I am going to start a new media company with a distinct approach to the news and a clear point of view."
"I know I will enjoy the chance to do some more journalism of my own and, at such a critical time, I'm seriously excited about the prospect of building a new venture in news."
Knowing that his letter would be leaked, James Harding says of BBC News "We have our shortcomings, no doubt."
"But, in these fast-changing times and on the back of a crisis five years ago, I am proud to have worked for BBC News as we renewed our reputation for responsible, powerful journalism: agenda-setting coverage of politics, business and the society we live in; current affairs exposing controversial issues with discipline and determination; the best and bravest international reporting, when big moments in history unfold and when under-reported stories desperately need to be told."
Tony Hall, BBC director general, says "James has done an incredible job during a hugely complex and momentous period of British and world history".
"He has led the BBC's coverage through two referendums, two general elections, an astonishing US presidential election, not to mention a series of extraordinary events at home and abroad."
"In the years James has been with us he's played an important part in modernising and changing the BBC, but beyond that, he has been a first-class colleague and a pleasure to work with."
The BBC will announce a BBC News replacement for James Harding at the end of 2017.
