Ceri Thomas has today been announced as the new editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Ceri, currently Radio Newsgathering Editor at the BBC, will start on Radio 4’s flagship news and current affairs programme next month. He takes over from Kevin Marsh, who has taken up the post of Editor, BBC College of Journalism. Ceri said: “For my money, this is the best job in BBC daily journalism. It’s fascinating and full of challenges, and I’m very fortunate to be taking it on at a time when the programme’s in such good shape.
“That’s a tribute to all the work Kevin Marsh has done; I’m tremendously excited to be given the chance to build on it.”
Commenting on the appointment Helen Boaden, BBC Director of News, said: “Ceri Thomas in an excellent and experienced journalist with a great instinct for connecting with audiences.
“His flair and passion for radio make him the ideal editor for Today.”
Mark Damazer, Controller of BBC Radio 4 added: “I am thrilled that Ceri Thomas will be taking on one of the most important and demanding jobs in British journalism.
“His track record and creative instinct will build on the excellent legacy of Kevin Marsh.”
Ceri started his broadcasting career in 1989 as a producer of AM at LBC Radio. He then joined the Today programme as a junior producer in 1991, progressing to Assistant Editor under Roger Mosey from 1995.
Ceri then moved to Radio Five Live as Breakfast Editor and eventually the Head of News for the station.
He recently spent a year at Harvard University as a Nieman Fellow and on returning has taken on the new role of Radio Newsgathering Editor, taking the lead in strengthening the relationship between Newsgathering and Radio News and reviewing and re-organising Radio News’ own reporting base.