Valley Fontaine is to become Dotun Adebayo’s new co-host on BBC London 94.9’s programme for black Londoners (Sundays 8.00-10.0pm) from 20 August 2006. The programme, which is produced by the BBC London Community Affairs Unit, covers news and issues affecting London’s black communities.
Valley says, “I’m really excited about joining a show that offers a unique perspective on current affairs as they affect black Londoners. And as someone who enjoys lively debate, I’m really looking forward to working with Dotun and thrashing out the issues with the show’s diverse audience.”
David Robey, Editor BBC London 94.9, says: “Valley and Dotun will be a formidable team. Both have strong track records as journalists and broadcasters and their knowledge of London’s black community is unrivalled, so I expect to hear some compelling debate on Sunday nights. Valley Fontaine has worked for BBC London for five years where she combines the roles of presenter and broadcast journalist with TV reporting and camera work.
Before joining the BBC, Valley worked at urban music station Choice FM and wrote a weekly agony column for the Voice Newspaper, freelanced for several cable television outlets, and has worked as a DJ and compere at various events including The London Marathon.
Valley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Arts in Radio both from Goldsmith’s College, University of London and prior to working in the media industry was a trainee accountant. In addition to working with Dotun Adebayo, Valley will continue to present BBC London 94.9’s popular weekend show Late Night Dilemmas with Valley Fontaine on Saturday mornings.