EMILY MAITLIS & JON SOPEL ANNOUNCE BBC DEPARTURE TO JOIN GLOBAL

Two of the UK’s leading broadcasters, Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel, are joining Global in an exclusive deal, meaning they will both be leaving their roles at the BBC.

The journalists will front a major new podcast for Global Player, as well as hosting a show together on LBC and providing commentary and analysis for lbc.co.uk.

Maitlis and Sopel join Global from the BBC, where Maitlis hosted Newsnight and Sopel was the corporation’s North America Editor. The pair also hosted the BBC’s critically-acclaimed Americast podcast, which explored the state of US politics.

The move follows Global’s signing of Andrew Marr, whose LBC show is set to be announced soon.

As part of the deal, Dino Sofos, the founder of audio production company Persephonica, also joins Global as the podcast’s executive producer. Sofos is the former head of BBC News Podcasts and created Brexitcast, Newscast and Americast formats.

Emily said: "We are just so delighted to be launching this brand new podcast – which will build on everything we’ve achieved with Americast over the last few years – and it will find new audiences and a new home with Global. I couldn’t be more excited."

Jon said: "I’m delighted to be joining Global with my great friend and colleague, Emily Maitlis. We’ve been blown away by the reception for Americast, and are so excited that Global has given us the opportunity to build on this success by creating this innovative news podcast. This is an unmissable opportunity."

Full details of Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel’s daily podcast will be announced later in the year.