BBC Scotland is starting the hunt for a new Head of News, after Gary Smith announced he prepares to step down this summer.
Smith has spent almost 40 years at the BBC, with the last 10 of those leading its news operations in Scotland.
“It’s been a privilege to have a front row seat as history was made over the past four decades in Scotland, the UK and the world. I’ve worked with some brilliant colleagues, been involved in the biggest stories, and had a lot of fun along the way,” he said.
“Now the time’s right for a change, to revisit my first love of writing, to give something back to journalism by helping the next generation of reporters, and to have the space to spend more time with my wonderful family.”
Smith began as a news trainee at the BBC in 1984, before becoming a sub-editor in 1985. In 1989 he moved to Channel 4 News as a senior political producer, foreign producer and programme editor covering stories such as Margaret Thatcher’s departure from Number 10, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the civil war in Kashmir.
In 1992 he returned to the BBC, as assistant editor on the then Nine O’Clock News as well as editor of Political News and UK News Editor. He took over as Head of News at BBC Scotland in 2016.
“Gary has steered the newsroom through some huge stories – the EU referendum, several elections, the trial of Alex Salmond, Covid, and the death of her late Majesty the Queen at Balmoral,” said BBC Scotland Director Hayley Valentine.
“His relationship with Network News, and the high regard in which he is held there, have made our newsroom all the stronger. At BBC Scotland, he has transformed our digital news offer, overseen the growth of our award-winning investigations department, and most recently launched a suite of new content focussed on reaching diverse audiences in different ways.
“Personally, I will miss Gary terribly – he has not only been a brilliant colleague, but a supportive friend. Crucially, his judgement is second to none and his advice is always worth listening to,” she said.
