Justin Kings, a senior media professional with over 30 years’ experience in the industry, has been appointed as the new head of the EBU Academy, effective November 1.
Kings began his career at Capital Radio in London where he rose to the role of group news editor. He moved to the BBC’s radio station for the capital, BBC London, where he led journalists and programme teams in the Corporation’s first multimedia newsroom.
He left the BBC to start his own consultancy and training business and, as part of this, joined the EBU Academy Faculty in 2009. Over the past 14 years, he has specialised in social media trainings for the Academy as well as teaching topics including constructive journalism, young audiences and podcasting.
Commenting on the appointment, Jean Philip De Tender, EBU deputy director general/director media, said: “This pivotal position requires a candidate with an exceptional and broad skill set. Justin combines first-rate experience gained in the media industry with a solid reputation for delivering training and mentorship to professionals worldwide. His personal experience at the Academy as a trainer and facilitator means he understands the challenges of delivering training in a rapidly changing media landscape. He inherits a solid legacy from his predecessor, Nathalie Labourdette, who built the foundations that have enabled the EBU to position itself as a world-class training hub. Nathalie will be retiring at the end of November”.
Kings added: “I am truly honoured to become the new head of the EBU Academy. For me, what makes the Academy so special is its collaborative nature. How it enables public service media colleagues to benefit from each other’s experiences, ideas and skills. This aspect is central to the unique EBU Academy experience and I am thrilled to develop it in exciting new ways. To do this, I can’t wait to start working with our inspiring community of EBU members, as well as the dedicated Academy Committee, the Faculty and staff”.
Kings is based in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK.
