Nils Blythe
Nils Blythe | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 25, 1956 United Kingdom |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, communications executive |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Business and economic journalism, executive director of Communications at the Bank of England |
Nils Blythe (born 25 February 1956) is a British journalist with a focus on business and economic affairs. He was employed by BBC News until 2011 and subsequently served as the executive director of Communications at the Bank of England before establishing his own public relations firm in 2014.
Early life and education
Blythe, whose father was English and mother Danish, received his education at Ipswich School followed by Christ's College, Cambridge.
Career
Blythe’s career commenced as an editor at Hodder & Stoughton and as a researcher and writer for the Consumers' Association. In 1987, he joined the Investors Chronicle, moving to the BBC News Financial Unit in 1988. Between 1990 and 1994, he served as Business Correspondent for the Today Programme on BBC Radio 4, reporting on significant financial incidents such as Black Wednesday, the BCCI scandal, and the death of Robert Maxwell.
In 1994, Blythe transitioned to The Money Programme on BBC television, where he covered international business and economic topics including the economic consequences of AIDS in Africa, post-conflict Kosovo, developments in human genome mapping, and the involvement of investment banks in the internet stock bubble. He launched Business Today in 2001, a nightly programme on the BBC News Channel that featured prominent figures like Bank of England Governor Edward George.
Returning to radio reporting in 2004 as business correspondent, Blythe was integral to the BBC’s coverage of the 2008 financial crisis. In 2005, he accompanied UK Chancellor Gordon Brown on a visit to China and reported from Mumbai on issues related to global population growth. He also presented Upshares Downshares on PM, a daily series addressing the UK credit crunch that incorporated musical elements and successfully raised over £70,000 for BBC Children in Need.
On 17 February 2011, Blythe departed from the BBC to assume the role of executive director of Communications at the Bank of England, taking over from former BBC journalist Jenny Scott. The PM programme humorously compiled his statements from Bank of England Quarterly Inflation Report press conferences, with podcasts accessible through the Bank’s official website.
Personal life
Residing in Hertfordshire, Blythe is married with three children. He is also an enthusiastic supporter of Arsenal FC.