BBC Cymru Wales appoints new Director of Content and Services

BBC Cymru Wales has appointed a new Content and Services Director

It has revealed that it has chosen Rhuanedd Richards, the Editor of BBC Radio Cymru and online service BBC Cymru Fyw, to the new position.

In the role, she will oversee the leadership and development of all programming and content across TV, radio and online, and in both Welsh and English, and will report to the BBC’s new Director of Nations and Wales, Rhodri Talfan Davies.

Rhodri Talfan Davies said: “Rhuanedd is an exceptional leader and has made a huge impact since returning to the BBC almost three years ago.

“Her creative ambition, her energy and her deep commitment to audiences are obvious to everybody who works with her – and I know how much she is looking forward to working with talented colleagues both in BBC Wales and across the wider production sector.”

Originally from the Cynon Valley, Rhuanedd now lives in Pontypridd with her family. Rhuanedd started her career as a journalist with BBC Wales after gaining a BBC scholarship in 1996 to study a post-graduate diploma in journalism.

She became a reporter in the Swansea area before presenting some of the broadcaster’s flagship news and political programmes in English and Welsh, on TV and radio.

In her work as a journalist. she covered many major events both at home and abroad, and interviewed leading figures in the public eye.

‘Adviser’ 

In 2007, she left the BBC to become an adviser to the Welsh Government and, subsequently, Chief Executive at Plaid Cymru.  She then worked as an official for the Commission of the Welsh Parliament, advising to the Presiding Officer.

In 2018 Rhuanedd was appointed to lead the development of the BBC’s Welsh language services across radio and online.

In this role she has launched new radio breakfast and lunchtime news programmes, developed a range of new podcasts for BBC Sounds, and has worked with partners during the pandemic on creative online and radio projects.

Rhuanedd Richards said: “During this past year, it’s been clearer than ever how important the work of BBC Wales is to our audiences – providing companionship as well as much-needed news, information and entertainment.

“What we do matters, and it’s vital that our services reflect the diverse stories, communities and experiences of our nation.

“I am incredibly proud to be leading an organisation in Wales which is changing and innovating at pace.  I know my colleagues across BBC Wales and our partners in the wider sector are all committed to producing brilliant content, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Rhuanedd will start her new job after Easter.