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PERSON FOCUS: IONA JONES
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Now Chief Executive of S4C, Iona Jones rose to the top of the Welsh media in a comparatively short time. Born in west Wales, Jones was raised in Cardiff and studied Economic & Social History at Exeter University. She enjoyed a career as a journalist and editor at BBC Wales, before first joining S4C in 1995 as Director of Corporate Affairs.
In 2000 Jones moved to ITV Wales where, as Group Director of Corporate Affairs, she represented Carlton's regional companies throughout the UK. Returning to S4C in September 2003 as Director of Programmes, she was subsequently appointed to the post of Chief Executive in open competition in May 2005, and took up her role in October 2005. Not content with running the Welsh language television channel, Jones is also a Vice President of the Royal Television Society and Chair of the training body Skillset Cymru.
What was your first broadcast/film industry related job?
My first job was as a sub-editor on BBC Radio Cymru’s news
In what year did you take that position?
1986
What made you take that particular job?
I was offered the job before I completed my journalism course at Cardiff. It enabled me to go straight from journalism school to working in a top news organisation - without leaving my home town
What career-defining positions have you held since?
Editor of the BBC’s Welsh language television news service; Director of Corporate Affairs at the HTV Group and Director of Programmes at S4C
What has been your proudest moment to date?
Achieving a turnaround in S4C’s viewing figures and delivering an 11% increase year-on-year in peak-hour viewing last year
What is the most important lesson you've learned in your working life?
To turn frustrations into positive energy
What would you most like to achieve in your career?
Recognition for the strength of creativity in the Welsh production sector
In your line of work, what is the most important personality trait to have, and how do you go about getting it?
Determination to implement change in the face of resistance by being focused and not allowing detractors to throw you off course
How do you occupy your time when you're not working?
Watch telly
Who do you consider to be the most inspirational figure in your life?
My three children
Complete this sentence: "The best things in life are ..."
...expensive!
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