The BBC has made Mark Mardell its Europe editor, based in Brussels.
Mardell
is currently chief political correspondent and was seen as one of the
contenders for the post of political editor to replace Andrew Marr.
According
to the BBC, Mardell’s new role is designed to enhance the audience’s
understanding of the European Union and its institutions, to focus on
the evolving role and nature of the EU and what it means for the UK.
BBC
director of news Helen Boaden said: “He has exactly the skills to
engage our audiences in this vitally important but difficult area.”
Mardell
added: “I am delighted to be taking on this new role at a time when the
future of the European Union is clearly one of the big news stories.
“I
look forward with relish to the challenge of reporting this story as
the people and politicians of the European Union debate what sort of
place they want Europe to be.”
He has presented The World at One
and Broadcasting House on BBC Radio 4, and appears every Thursday with
his round-up of the political week in BBC One’s This Week.
Mardell
joined the BBC as a political correspondent in 1988 and was political
editor of Newsnight for seven years. He began his career at Radio Tees
on Teesside and Radio Aire in Leeds before moving to Independent Radio
News in London, where he became industrial editor.
He made his TV debut on Channel 4’s The Sharp End.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog