BBC business and tech editor Tim Weber leaving in June

One of the journalists who helped launch the BBC news website has announced he is leaving the company after more than 20 years service.

Digital journalist Tim Weber, who is business and technology editor for BBC Interactive, will leave the BBC in June.

Weber, who helped to launch the company's online outlet in 1997, confirmed Friday's reports of his departure in a post on his blog.

He said: "After 20 years, five months and two weeks I’ve quit the BBC, but I’ll be hanging around for a couple more months or thereabouts.

"After 20 years of public service [media division], it feels like a good time to move on – leave on a high and while the job is still a lot of fun.

"I’m going to tackle a new challenge, so watch this space for news where I'll pop up next."

Weber assured his followers he'll keep tweeting and blogging, saying: "I’m not going away, so it’s way too early to say 'thanks for all the fish'."

A BBC spokesperson told Journalism.co.uk: "We are aware of the importance of this post in the BBC's output and the current intention is to recruit a replacement for Tim."

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