Broadcaster, presenter and journalist Jamie Owen has announced that he is leaving the BBC to join the international broadcaster, TRT World.

And after 22 years fronting BBC Wales’s flagship news programme, BBC Wales Today he signed off for the final time this week.

Born in Haverfordwest, Jamie was brought up in Pembroke Dock, where his father, James Meyrick Owen, was a local solicitor and his mother a health visitor and midwife.

Current president of Tenby Museum, he joined the BBC in 1989 and became part of BBC Wales Today’s presenter line-up in 1994. As well as BBC Wales Today, Jamie has also worked for other BBC services including BBC Radio Wales, Five Live, Radio 4 and the BBC World Service. He has also presented over 30 documentaries for BBC Wales.

Jamie Owen said: “I’ve had a blast at BBC Wales - but the offer to front international news on a global platform is an offer too good to refuse”

Rhodri Talfan Davies, director BBC Wales, said: “Jamie has helped chronicle every twist and turn in our nation’s story over more than two decades. A natural and instinctive broadcaster, he’s made an immense contribution on both radio and television. We all wish him well on his latest international assignment.”

Garmon Rhys, BBC Wales’s head of news, said: “I want to thank Jamie for his huge contribution to BBC Wales over many years. A unique broadcaster, he’s been an integral part of BBC Wales Today for over two decades. I’d like to wish him every success in his new role.”