I know those who remain will soldier on, and I know that they will carry on the proud tradition of the site. But I share your concerns about the internal politics of the BBC, a pretty poisonous mix during the best of times, which these surely aren’t.

Being on the outside, I can only hope that they save a little money for truly original, interactive journalism. I hope that integration brings integrated thinking, but unfortunately, there is nothing in my eight years at the BBC to suggest that this will happen.

My biggest fear is that they will keep a skeleton online staff who will merely repurpose content from radio and TV reporters and that they will jettison the editors and managers who have built up almost unparalleled digital experience over the last decade.

But the BBC often succeeds despite its organisational failings due to the skill and dedication of its staff. I wish my former colleagues the best.