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Pienaar exits BBC for Time Radio

February 17, 2020

Political broadcaster John Pienaar will leave the BBC after 28 years and host the Drive Time slot on Times Radio, the new national digital radio station launching later this year in partnership between The Times, The Sunday Times and audio business Wireless.

Pienaar is one of the most familiar voices in UK broadcasting, with a 30 year career at the heart of Westminster, most recently as Chief Political Correspondent at BBC Radio 5 Live and as the BBC’s Deputy Political Editor. He also hosts the highly regarded Pienaar’s Politics show and podcast. His new Drive Time show on Times Radio will deal with the issues of the day in Westminster and beyond.

Pienaar said: “It’s been a huge pleasure and a great privilege to work at the Beeb. Now, I couldn’t be more thrilled about joining the greatest and oldest title in journalism – in such a new and ambitious project on the digital front line. The guiding aim is to offer listeners high quality discussion and analysis of the stories and issues of the day, and make it a compelling, enjoyable listen. I can’t wait to get started.”

Times Radio Launch Director Stig Abell said: “John Pienaar is one of the most familiar and well-respected voices in broadcasting. His knowledge, warmth and ability to make the complex and contrary understandable will create immense value for our listeners. I’m delighted he’s signed up to what I hope will be a new destination for those people hungry for quality reporting and trusted, expert analysis.”

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