Barbara Slater

Barbara Slater assumed the role of Director of Sport in April 2009, previously serving as the Head of Production and Head of General Sports within the department. Her responsibilities encompass collaborating with governing bodies to maintain an extensive portfolio of broadcasting rights, supervising the planning and coverage of major sporting events, and leading the sports journalism operation at BBC Sport’s base in Salford.

Barbara garnered acclaim for BBC Sport’s cross-platform coverage of the London Olympic Games, the UK’s most-watched TV event ever. She received the ‘Inspirational Woman Prize’ at the Women in Film and Television Awards, and she’s a member of the IOC Press Committee and IOC Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission. In 2014, Barbara was honoured with the OBE for her contributions to sports broadcasting during her 14-year tenure as Director of Sport.

Under her leadership, BBC Sport expanded the profile and appeal of women’s sports, solidifying the BBC’s position as the UK’s premier sports broadcaster. Additionally, she oversaw the introduction of FA Cup, cricket, and Champions League football to BBC screens, and coordinated the production of numerous prestigious sporting events, including 14 Men’s and Women’s Football World Cups and European Championships, seven Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Wimbledon, the Six Nations, and Match of the Day.