Kate Squire to leave BBC after almost 42 years

Kate Squire is leaving the BBC after almost 42 years, bringing to an end her leadership of local news across northern England.

Kate is currently Senior Head of Content Production for the BBC in the North East and North West, overseeing six local radio stations and two regional television news programmes.

Her responsibilities include BBC Radio Newcastle, Radio Tees, Radio Cumbria, Radio Lancashire, Radio Manchester and Radio Merseyside, alongside Look North (North East & Cumbria) and North West Tonight.

She announced her departure to colleagues today, describing it as one of the toughest decisions of her life, but saying the time was right to pursue new adventures.

Kate previously spent ten years as editor of BBC Radio Manchester, overseeing the station’s coverage of major events including the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.

More recently, her teams have covered significant stories across the two regions, including the Southport attack.

Her BBC career began as a studio manager in London, working in sport and news, before moving into presenting national and regional news, including BBC East Midlands Today.

Kate said: “In January I will have worked for the BBC for 42 years. I’ve worked on some of the biggest news stories in the country, recruited and helped develop talented colleagues. I’ve loved everything I have done – it’s been an absolute privilege.”

She also spoke about her commitment to the future of local broadcasting, saying: “I believe passionately in the future of BBC Local and in the work, we are doing to make ourselves fit for the future and connect with our audiences to make their lives better.”

Robert Thompson, Director of BBC Local, said: “Kate’s passion and instinct for stories and the North is truly inspiring and she leaves a huge legacy.”

He added that she would be missed by colleagues and stakeholders across both regions, where she had been an advocate for local storytelling.

The BBC says recruitment for a new Senior Head of Content Production covering the North West and North East will begin in due course.