Richard Frediani has been named as the editor of BBC Breakfast, the UK’s highest rated morning news programme, attracting a total audience of around six million people each day.
‘Fredi’ – as he is known – is currently responsible for the day to day output of ITV’s 6.30pm national evening news as well as being Acting Head of Programmes for all ITV News output produced by ITN.
Fredi says: “I am thrilled to be appointed Editor of BBC Breakfast. It’s a brilliant opportunity to set the news agenda as well as entertain millions of viewers every morning. Breakfast TV is the best place to showcase a window on the world. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredibly talented broadcasters at ITV and I am really looking forward to an exciting new challenge and working with a fantastic team on and off screen at the BBC in Media City and beyond.”
With a career spanning three decades, Richard Frediani has worked at local, regional and national level, from reporter to editor, has won Bafta and national RTS awards and has played a key role in developing new talents from all backgrounds. This is his first BBC appointment.
Announcing the news this morning, BBC’s Head of News Gavin Allen says: “Fredi is a hugely talented and experienced TV journalist and leader. He will ensure audience interests are kept at the heart of the programme, combining editorial boldness and creativity to tackle the issues that matter most to viewers.“
Fredi, who joins the BBC in September, succeeds Adam Bullimore who is moving to take up a new role as Head of BBC Weather in London.