BBC Scotland appoints Howard Simpson as head of news

BBC Scotland has appointed Howard Simpson as its new head of news and current affairs.

He will take over from Gary Smith, 64, who announced in March that he was leaving the BBC after a career of nearly 40 years.

Simpson is currently head of news content in the newsroom at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay headquarters in Glasgow.

He joined the corporation in 2017 after heading up the news operation at STV.

BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine said his experience of commercial and public service broadcasting made him an ideal choice for the job.

Simpson said: ‘It’s a great honour to be appointed as head of news and current affairs and to lead all the fantastic teams across the nation.

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in news and the executive team as we evolve the production and delivery of our news services in the ever-changing digital age.”

Simpson previously ran the BBC news desk in Glasgow, before becoming newsgathering editor with responsibility for reporters, correspondents, and producers across Scotland.

In this period, he led teams through the Covid pandemic, Westminster and Holyrood elections as well as the death of Queen Elizabeth II. 

During his time at STV he was editor of news and sport, responsible for News at Six, Scotland Tonight and the channel’s live football programmes.

Hayley Valentine said: “Over many years Howard has proved to be an outstanding leader of teams who’ve covered countless major stories in Scotland, delivered the highest quality programming, and introduced new services for audiences.

“I’m excited to be working with him to continue delivering the best journalism and finding new and innovative ways to serve all our audiences.”