There are senior changes afoot in the BBC’s Local and Nations arms, with a pair of new appointments.
The BBC has appointed Robert Thompson (pictured) as interim director of production, BBC Local, effective 9 September 2025. The appointment follows swiftly on from Jason Horton taking up a 12-month attachment to become chief operating officer for BBC Nations.
Thompson currently serves as senior head of content production for London and East and is a member of the BBC Local senior leadership team. He has worked across a wide range of BBC output including regional and national news and is a former acting head of online and TV news for BBC England. He also has a proven commitment to developing skills and innovation across BBC Local services.
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The newly appointed interim director of production for BBC Local, said: “Leading BBC Local is a real privilege. In a world that’s changing fast, our role in connecting communities has never been more important. What we do matters – and I’m excited to build on all the incredible work the teams have already done.”
As interim director of production, Thompson will also join the Nations Board, helping shape the BBC’s local strategy across England. The recruitment process for a new senior head of content production to succeed Robert in his previous role will begin shortly.
Rhuannedd Richards, director, BBC Nations, said: “Robert has built a broad career across regional and national news, with a strong track record in TV and digital production. He has championed local talent and storytelling, whilst also supporting innovation. Robert’s passion for local broadcasting shines through his work, and we’re excited to welcome him into this role.”
BBC Local is responsible for the BBC’s local and regional content in England and the Channel Islands, primarily consisting of 40 distinct radio stations and associated online news services. These stations provide news, information, and entertainment tailored to the specific areas they serve, playing a crucial role in keeping communities connected and informed, especially during local events and emergencies.
BBC Nations handles the BBC’s specific divisional output for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, providing programming and services tailored to the unique cultural, political, and linguistic needs of those countries. These services offer localised content on TV, radio, and digital platforms, acting as a key component of the BBC’s commitment to serving all parts of the UK and reflecting the diversity of its audiences.
