BBC Scotland has appointed Victoria Easton Riley, currently director of content for Scotland and Northern Ireland for Bauer, as its new head of audio and events.
Easton Riley will lead the creative and editorial direction of BBC Radio Scotland’s programming, oversee the station’s commissioning process, and lead production departments including speech and topical, impact, music, and entertainment and events.
She will also have responsibility for the digital development of audio services as BBC Scotland continues to invest in on-demand content, visualisation, and new formats. Easton Riley, who began her career at the BBC, will join the BBC Scotland executive team.
Hayley Valentine, director BBC Scotland, says: “Victoria has an outstanding track record as both a content producer and senior leader in radio and I’m delighted that she’ll be bringing her skills, ideas, and drive to this role.
“It’s a key position as we continue to evolve our audio services and build on our strategy of bringing the broadest range of cultural content from around Scotland to our audiences.
“She’s a brilliant creative leader with a deep understanding of the sector, a laser focus on audiences and engagement and a commitment to supporting career development.
“Her experience and success in running radio stations will be invaluable as she leads the development of BBC Radio Scotland through an exciting era of change and opportunity. We’re looking forward to welcoming Victoria back to the BBC.”
Easton Riley has been instrumental in driving unprecedented growth across flagship stations at Bauer Media UK, including Clyde 1 and Forth 1. Since joining Bauer in 2019, she has led content strategy with a clear focus on audience engagement, brand development, and record-breaking performance.
Before Bauer, Victoria worked at the BBC where she produced the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw. Her production credits also include high-profile programmes such as The Official Chart, Fearne Cotton, and Scott Mills. While based in London, she also contributed to programming on Absolute Radio, BBC Radio 5 Live, and BBC Radio 1Xtra.
She serves as a trustee of The Radio Academy and was honoured with a Fellowship in 2022, one of the highest accolades in UK radio. She is a passionate advocate for gender equality in broadcasting and previously led the Women in Programming initiative, championing the next generation of female content leaders.
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Easton Riley, who will take up her role later in the summer, says: “It’s been a privilege to work with some brilliant people and brands during my time at Bauer, but I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to the BBC as Head of Audio and Events at BBC Radio Scotland.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to help shape the future of audio in Scotland and work with teams who share my passion for creating bold, distinctive content for audiences across the country.”
