Simon Bates to host Good Morning Devon

BBC Radio Devon today (2 December) announced Simon Bates as its new Breakfast presenter, his new show will start on Monday 12 January 2015.

Simon, who lives on a farm near Tiverton, mid-Devon, is joining BBC Radio Devon to present a mix of news and music each weekday morning between 7.00 and 10.00am. 

As ever, quality local journalism will be the cornerstone of the new programme, and Simon Bates will use his interviewing skills honed over decades of broadcasting to interview the day’s newsmakers.  Simon will also be out broadcasting from around the county and hearing from BBC Radio Devon’s reporters on the road. 

BBC Radio Devon Managing Editor, Mark Grinnell, said:  “Simon is one of the  country’s most experienced and popular presenters, with a passion for Devon to match.  He is an integral part of life on the Devon moors where he owns and works on his farm.  I’m delighted he is taking over the Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Devon and am sure that our listeners will welcome his knowledge, warmth and wit, and will love waking up to his show every morning.”

Simon said:  “I’m totally thrilled to be given the opportunity to present the breakfast show on BBC Radio Devon.  It’s a huge challenge and different to anything I’ve done before, because it’s right here in my home county.  My neighbours will all be listening and I know they’ll give me a hard time if I get it wrong.  I’m going to do my best to cover the whole county, helped by a great team of professionals at BBC Radio Devon.”

As part of the changes, Matt Woodley will become part of the management team at BBC Radio Devon.