James Cook has been appointed as the BBC’s new Scotland Editor after a competitive recruitment process.
James has been Chief News Correspondent for The Nine on BBC Scotland since 2019.
James began his career in journalism at the age of 15, when he started writing and reading the news on his local radio station in Dundee. He joined BBC Scotland a few years later and held roles including sub-editor, duty editor, reporter, correspondent and presenter.
James joined the network BBC News team as a Scotland Correspondent in 2007 and worked in that role through the independence referendum.
He also spent time in London as a Health Correspondent, and was based in Los Angeles as North America Correspondent for three years.
James Cook says: “I am delighted to be taking on this exciting role at a fascinating stage in Scotland’s story. I’m looking forward to reporting on a wide range of issues and hearing a diverse variety of views from all around the country.”
Richard Burgess, Interim Senior Controller of BBC News Content says: “As well as being an excellent journalist, James also cares deeply about Scotland – its history, culture and politics – and has a strong commitment to our core BBC values of impartiality, accuracy and fairness. He has a clear vision for the Scotland Editor role, knows what works on digital and crucially, what matters in modern Scotland.”
Gary Smith, Head of News and Current Affairs, BBC Scotland adds: “James has a passion for journalism, which shines through his reporting wherever in the world a story takes him. His intellectual curiosity, rigour and sharp mind have made him an invaluable member of every team he’s worked with. He also has a passion for Scotland, which will serve him well in this new role. I look forward to working with him and wish him every success as our new Scotland editor.”
James will take up his post in the coming weeks and will be based in Pacific Quay, Glasgow.