BBC Cymru Wales has announced Steve Austins as the new Editor of BBC Radio Wales.
Steve, 34, who is originally from Tredegar, has been leading Radio Wales as Acting Editor since last summer, during which time the station has been shortlisted for a number of awards including one of the radio industry’s most prestigious awards – the Sony Radio Academy Awards, Station of the Year (one million plus listeners).
Steve joined BBC Wales in 1998 as a researcher for Radio Wales news, and was soon producing the station’s flagship news shows Good Morning Wales and Good Evening Wales.
In 2003 he became Assistant Editor to previous Editors Julie Barton and Sali Collins before becoming BBC Wales’ Marketing Manager for English Language Services.
Before joining the BBC, Steve started his broadcasting career as a news reporter for Red Dragon FM and as a presenter on Galaxy 101 and Surf 107.2 in Brighton.
“I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead Wales’s national English language station,” said Steve. “I grew up in a home where BBC Radio Wales was part of our daily routine so I understand what the station means to its listeners. It’s a very exciting challenge and I’m looking forward to it immensely.”
Steve takes up the role at a strategically significant time for the station, with a brief to build on current success and target new listeners.
“BBC Radio Wales is the home of some of the nation’s best known and most loved programmes and presenters, entertaining audiences throughout Wales,” said BBC Cymru Wales Director Menna Richards.
“Steve’s appointment comes at a challenging time for the media in Wales, but we have already seen that under Steve’s leadership, strong foundations are being laid to take the station forward as we plan for the future.”
