Following BBC Radio York’s record audience figures in yesterday’s Rajar’s, the station has confirmed that Joe Pignatiello has become its permanent managing editor.
The station had its highest audience figures since 2004, with 109k weekly listeners.
Pignatiello has been covering the role for the last year, and has previously worked in development and training for the BBC. During the last 12 months, he’s made a number of key changes, including the appointment of Look North weather presenter, Owain Wyn Evans as Saturday afternoon host and the return of Georgey Spanswick to the breakfast show
“The figures are fantastic and are a result of great teamwork from everyone at the radio station. I’ve been at BBC Radio York for more than a year now and I’m delighted to be staying,” he said.
“It’s a brilliant station, in a beautiful part of the world, with a dedicated and talented team that work hard to ensure we’re a part of our community and local life in North Yorkshire. During what is a hugely exciting time for BBC Local Radio, I’m looking forward to leading BBC Radio York into the future.”
Among the new initiatives are Cake and Cuppa sessions around North Yorkshire, where presenters help to tackle loneliness and isolation by bringing people together; and a Knit for North Yorkshire campaign to produce a thousand scarves to distribute around the region.
