I am a senior media and communications professional with a 30+ year track record in national journalism, strategic communications and reputation management across the BBC, NHS, higher education and major UK organisations. I have successfully advised senior leaders, led teams and delivered communications during complex, high-profile situations. I am passionate about storytelling and trusted media relationships to drive public engagement and positive social change. I thrive on creating compelling narratives, producing impactful podcasts and videos, and coordinating multi-channel campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. My focus is on clear, responsible communications that support organisational goals and public-interest outcomes.…

Nigel Thompson

I am a senior media and communications professional with a 30+ year track record in national journalism, strategic communications and reputation management across the BBC, NHS, higher education and major UK organisations. I have successfully advised senior leaders, led teams and delivered communications during complex, high-profile situations. I am passionate about storytelling and trusted media relationships to drive public engagement and positive social change. I thrive on creating compelling narratives, producing impactful podcasts and videos, and coordinating multi-channel campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. My focus is on clear, responsible communications that support organisational goals and public-interest outcomes.…

Available to hire

I am a senior media and communications professional with a 30+ year track record in national journalism, strategic communications and reputation management across the BBC, NHS, higher education and major UK organisations. I have successfully advised senior leaders, led teams and delivered communications during complex, high-profile situations. I am passionate about storytelling and trusted media relationships to drive public engagement and positive social change.

I thrive on creating compelling narratives, producing impactful podcasts and videos, and coordinating multi-channel campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. My focus is on clear, responsible communications that support organisational goals and public-interest outcomes.

See more

Skills

Experience Level

Branding
Expert
Photo
Expert
Copywriting
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Correspondent at BBC
September 6, 1993 - April 1, 2016
Starting as a local radio broadcast journalist before adding video journalism and website copywriting to my skills. After presenting programmes and reporting widely, I became a correspondent for regional and then national TV and radio news.
Media Manager at University of Cumbria
January 1, 2016 - Present
Director at Nigel Thompson Media
February 1, 2023 - Present
Providing communications support for organisations in conservation, education, arts and health sectors. Recent clients include the Witley Fund for Nature, Morecambe Bay Partnership and National Trust. Services include podcast and video production, media management (including spokesperson training), newsletter production, social media, graphic design and photography. Also freelanced as a business correspondent for Cumbria Crack, a leading public-interest digital news site.
Content and Engagement Manager at NHS Innovation Agency
March 1, 2021 - February 28, 2023
Managed a small team responsible for staging events and publicity for the north west NHS Academic Health Science Network across 30 trusts and partner organisations. Created a national podcast, managed a regional health awards ceremony (700 delegates, record entries) and produced monthly newsletters, blogs and daily social media content.
External Communications Manager at BAE Systems (Barrow)
January 1, 2019 - March 31, 2021
Led reputation management, proactive strategic media engagement planning, thought-leadership material production and crisis communications. Directed media strategy for the UK’s main submarine construction site, including milestone content, recruitment and human-interest stories. Responsible for brand management and produced an award-winning podcast.
Assistant Editor at BBC North West Tonight
November 1, 2011 - April 30, 2016
Planning Editor responsible for editorial judgement across radio, TV and online. Presented Morning Reports on 5Live and reported for You and Yours on BBC Radio 4. Field reporting included Central America coverage on Royal Navy anti-drug smuggling activity; secured the first interview with a witness of the Morecambe Bay cockling disaster for the 10th anniversary RTS recognition.
Drive Time Presenter at BBC Radio Tees
October 1, 2010 - November 30, 2011
Devised and presented a new peak-hour programme, significantly increasing regional audience engagement.
Correspondent at BBC News
March 1, 2010 - October 31, 2010
TV and radio reporter covering breaking news; stories included Eyjafjallajökull volcano disruption and the Whitehaven shooting.
News Editor – BBC Radio Cumbria at BBC Radio Cumbria
November 1, 2007 - March 31, 2010
Updated the station’s news output, relaunched breakfast show and drivetime, and led bulletin services; RTS Award-nominated coverage of the Cumbria floods (2010).
Health Correspondent at BBC South East
June 1, 2002 - November 30, 2007
Multimedia health and social affairs correspondent; Royal Television Society South East award winner (2006).
Broadcast Journalist at BBC Network Radio Newsroom
April 1, 1999 - October 31, 2000
Compiled, wrote and presented bulletins and news summaries for network radio stations.
Reporter at BBC Radio Lancashire
September 1, 1993 - June 30, 2002
Reported widely on general news and sport for local radio and regional TV.
News Editor and Reporter at Commercial Radio
February 1, 1993 - September 30, 1993
Reported and presented news bulletins tailored to AM and FM audiences at Red Rose Radio.
Reporter at The Visitor Newspaper
February 1, 1991 - February 28, 1993
NCTJ-trained reporter covering news and sport.

Education

Chartered Practitioner Status at Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
January 1, 2020 - June 2, 2026
Six month course covering stakeholder engagement and communications at University of Cumbria
January 1, 2018 - July 1, 2018
PMQ at Association of Project Management
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing at Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1993
BA Business Studies at University of Central Lancashire
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1992
NCFE Level 2 Award Graphic Design at Kendal College
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
NCFE Level 2 Award Web Authoring and Website Design at Middlesbrough College
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
NCTJ journalism qualifications at NCTJ
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1992
BTEC HNC in Business and Finance at Wigan College
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1989
BTEC ONC in Business Studies at Lancaster and Morecambe College
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 1987

Qualifications

Chartered Practitioner Status
January 1, 2020 - June 2, 2026
NCTJ journalism qualifications
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1992
Royal Television Society Award
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006
Shepherd Neame - Journalist of the Year
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2006

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Healthcare, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
    paper Northern Lights Podcast

    The latest episode in the Northern Lights series:

    “The time for talking is definitely over and 2026 is definitely the first year of delivery,” according to the man behind the unique three-way partnership that forms Team Barrow.
    Simon Case is the chair of the organisation made up of central government, Westmorland and Furness Council and BAE Systems responsible for ‘mobilising the national effort’ to support every aspect of life in Barrow.

    https://www.twine.net/signin