Radio London editor David Robey departs the BBC

After 37 years at the BBC and 21 at Radio London, Station Editor David Robey has decided to leave.

Today (Friday) is his last day at the corporation, following a staff announcement yesterday that he is suddenly departing.

David has been Managing Editor of BBC London since 1999. Before that, he was Managing Editor at BBC WM and BBC Three Counties, having previously held the position of News Editor at both stations.

His BBC career started at Radio Nottingham, having worked before that in commercial radio at Trent, Hallam and Centre Radio. He first trained at the Leicester Mercury newspaper.

As a result of his exit, and in the short term before a new Executive Editor can be appointed, Sussex & Surrey’s Sara David will cover the Editor role at BBC Radio London, Mark Carter will be acting Editor at BBC Radio Sussex & Surrey and Will Roffey will be acting Editor at BBC Radio Kent.

Last week, RadioToday revealed eight other BBC local radio editors are stepping down from their roles to help the BBC meet its £25m savings target in England.

David joins the others leaving the BBC; Radio Lancashire’s John Clayton, Radio Lincolnshire’s Charlie Partridge, Channel Islands’ Robert Wallace, Radio Shropshire’s Tim Beech, Radio Solent’s Sarah Miller, and Radio York’s Joe Pignatiello.

In addition, Sarah Harness, BBC WM Editor will leave her role and Tim Pemberton, Editor at Radio Gloucestershire has a new role as the BBC’s Head of Religion.

The BBC had no comment to make about his departure when contacted by RadioToday, other than to confirm he is leaving.