The BBC has named Radio 4’s Peter Rippon as editor of Newsnight, replacing Peter Barron who left the flagship news programme in July for head up communications and public affairs for Google’s UK, Ireland and Benelux regions.
Rippon is currently working as editor of Radio 4’s The World at One and The World This Weekend, and has previously edited other Radio 4 programmes including PM and Broadcasting House. He is also a multimedia editor for BBC News.
BBC deputy director of news Stephen Mitchell, said: “Peter Rippon is an outstanding editor with significant experience and a reputation for innovation with his current stable of programmes. Newsnight is one of our most important programmes and I am convinced that under Peter’s leadership its reputation will be taken to new heights.”
Rippon, who won a Sony Gold last year for interactivity on PM, said: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to lead such a creative and talented team. In an increasingly crowded news environment Newsnight brings the authority, credibility and trust that defines the BBC’s relationship with its audience.”
Rippon began his BBC career as a trainee reporter in 1989. He has worked at BBC World Television and in the BBC World Service newsroom.
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