NCTJ-trained journalist to lead the BBC College of Journalism

Jonathan Baker, the new head of the BBC College of Journalism, started his journalism career at the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo and gained a distinction in his final NCTJ exams.  He also won an award for being the top performing student in the north of England.
 
Jonathan’s BBC journalism career has included editor of the Ten O’Clock News, editor of the Six O’Clock News, executive editor of Radio Five Live, executive editor of radio news and assistant editor of the Today programme.  Before his appointment to the College, Jonathan was deputy head of newsgathering and before that he was world news editor.

Jonathan said: “I’ve been involved in some of the College’s biggest projects to date, and I’m delighted to be joining it full-time. It has become a real powerhouse in drawing up and delivering training to journalists at all levels across the BBC.

“As the website becomes accessible to all, and the wider BBC Academy begins to take shape, it’s a busy and exciting time to be joining what I know is a top-class team of journalists and trainers. I’m very much looking forward to leading the College into the next phase of its development.”

A BBC spokesman said: “Jonathan will lead the College in all aspects of the design, delivery and evaluation of unrivalled and innovative skills training and development across BBC journalism. 

“He will be responsible for ensuring the provision of continuous learning for every BBC journalist.

“He will build on the great work done to help Journalists access the very best of the resources and expertise of the Academy.”