James started his career in adult education working as an extra-mural lecturer for the WEA and for Glasgow University. He also worked for four years as a lecturer in what is now Glasgow Caledonian University. He joined the BBC in 1975 as an adult education officer working on adult literacy and then on intellectual handicap. He became a radio producer and eventually eventually Head of BBC Radio Scotland winning the Sony title UK Station of the Year for the network. As Controller BBC Radio 4 he reformed the network producing with his team an entirely new schedule. The new programmes subsequently won a record 6 gold Sony awards in one year and eight other silver and bronze awards. . His public service posts include Chair of the Scottish Arts Council, Chair of the Scottish Cultural Commission, founder-Chair of Edinburgh Unesco City of Literature and founder of Glasgow UNESCO City of Music James has also held non-executive directorships in the private sector, including a current interest in Franklin Rae Communications. He is a member of Court at Edinburgh Napier University and Chair of the British Council Scotland. He has three honorary doctorates. James is married with three sons and three grandsons. |
"What makes these sessions much more stimulating than most seminars is the sharp, often challenging contributions from the audience so that you have a real debate, not just a platform presentation."
Richard Donkin, independent journalist and author