BBC head of foreign news Andrew Roy has been named CBS News vice president and London bureau chief. Roy will oversee all editorial coverage and newsgathering out of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, beginning on May 3.
Roy joins CBS News on Tuesday, May 3 following 34 years with the BBC as a producer and news executive, most recently overseeing international news coverage for the broadcaster. Throughout his career, Roy has covered a wide range of international news events, from the election of popes and presidents, military conflicts—including the wars in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan—and natural disasters such as the Indonesian tsunami, among others.
“Andrew is an experienced news executive who understands the responsibility and complexity of deploying journalists to the front lines of international stories,” CBS News president Neeraj Khemlani said in a statement. “He shares our values and commitment to quality journalism and storytelling. He also brings operational experience, as the former head of the BBC World News Channel, and a strong track record and passion for extending content across digital platforms. We’re fortunate to have such a seasoned executive stepping into this important role at this time.”
Before joining CBS News, Roy spent over eight years as the head of foreign news for the BBC, where he had editorial leadership for international coverage on BBC TV, radio and online. As Khemlani alluded to, Roy previously ran BBC World News Channel.
Roy reports to CBS News evp of newsgathering Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews, with whom he worked during the formation of the CBS News and BBC editorial partnership.
“CBS News is a network that I’ve worked alongside, partnered with and admired for a very long time,” said Roy. “CBS News has an industry-leading commitment to on-the-ground international news coverage. I’m very delighted to be joining the London bureau and the international news team at this time.”
Roy replaces Andy Clarke, who stepped down in February after 37 years at CBS News. According to the New York Post, Clarke’s exit took place after disagreements with Khemlani over budget cuts, with the Post citing sources close to the network.
CBS pushed back on the Post’s reporting at the time, saying in a statement, “There have been no cuts to resources or requests denied out of Afghanistan. We are in investment mode—whether it’s growing the number of employees, which is up year-over-year, or creating more inventory across our shows for international reporting or working with an outside firm to build a tech solution that will help our newsgathering.”
Here’s Khemlani’s note to staff announcing the hire:
Team –
I’m pleased to announce that we have hired Andrew Roy – a global news executive with more than three decades in the industry – to be our new vice president and London bureau chief.
As many of you know, Andrew comes to CBS News after 34 years with the BBC, most recently as the head of foreign news where he oversaw international coverage for BBC TV, radio and online. Andrew also ran BBC World News Channel for five years, leading all editorial and operations for one of the largest news channels in the world.
There is perhaps no greater urgency to deliver on our commitment to international journalism than right now. As events escalate in Ukraine, we’re fortunate to have an executive of Andrew’s caliber who shares our values. He has a deep understanding of the challenges of deploying journalists to the front lines in conflict zones, and he shares our commitment to their safety and security.
I’m looking forward to all of you having the opportunity to work with Andrew, who also brings a welcome passion for multiplatform storytelling. During his tenure, the industry has experienced dramatic change, and Andrew has been on the forefront of producing and distributing news content across a multitude of streaming and digital platforms.
International reporting is a hallmark of CBS News and one of our highest priorities. It is why many of us choose to come work at CBS News. It is a pleasure to welcome to the organization someone who will help us not only continue to deliver in this vital area, but also innovate our path forward.
Andrew begins on May 3 and will report to Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews. Deb Thomson will continue as deputy bureau chief and work closely with Andrew.
Thank you to Ingrid, Deb and the entire international team that has been working around the clock to tell the crucial stories out of Ukraine and all the regions across the globe impacted by this difficult story. As you have shown us for years on numerous stories of global consequence, you are simply the best in the business.
The press release is below. Please join me in welcoming Andrew to the team.
Neeraj