BBC Studios Bolsters U.S. Digital News Team

BBC Studios has bolstered its digital news team in the U.S. with the appointment of Jennie Baird to the newly created position of executive VP and managing director of digital news and streaming.

Baird was formerly the senior VP and global head of product at News Corp, where she was responsible for developing digital solutions for its media companies, including Dow Jones, News UK, News Corp Australia, New York Post, Storyful, Realtor.com, Foxtel and HarperCollins Publishers.

In her new role at BBC Studios, Baird will lead the development of the vision and investment plans needed to continue driving growth and audiences for the BBC’s digital news products around the globe. She will assume responsibility for the BBC’s recently launched documentary and podcast services, BBC Select and BBC Podcasts.

Baird will report to Rebecca Glashow, president of BBC Studios Americas, who is responsible for BBC’s digital news portfolio outside of the U.K.

In addition to Baird’s appointment, the BBC has revealed plans to double its digital journalism team in the U.S. and Canada.

“Jennie is a digital heavyweight in the constantly evolving news media landscape,” said Glashow. “As record audiences turn to the BBC for news they can trust, the creation of this role and her appointment reflect our ambitions to further reinforce our global news team and double down on our commitment to providing a world-leading digital offering.”

Baird said, “I’m thrilled to be joining an organization whose very name is synonymous with quality. At a moment in time when impartial, accurate and trusted information is more essential than ever, I look forward to helping grow the digital reach of BBC News outside the U.K. and to exploring innovative ways the BBC might better serve global news consumers.”