Rhuanedd again

As one of the trade papers puts it, Rhuanedd Richards, Director of BBC Wales, has been 'cemented' into her previously interim role as BBC Director of Nations. 

Rhuanedd, 52, was born in the Cynon Valley. Father Philip, though born in Nottingham, learned Welsh as an adult, and was involved in Plaid Cymru campaigning from the 1960s, whilst studying law. He became a barrister and a judge, and stood unsucessfully for Plaid three times. 

Rhuanedd went to nursery school in Aberdare with Dafydd Trystan Davies, now Plaid's Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution; and thence to Ysgol Rhydfelen, the first Welsh-medium comprehensive in South Wales; she became Head Girl. During A-levels, she hosted a  party gatecrashed by Kelly Jones, later lead singer of The Stereophonics, and managed to ensure his departure. She studied Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth, staying on for a year as President of the Aberystwyth Guild of Students, whilst also volunteering at Radio Ceredigion and presenting local BBC Radio Cymru bulletins. There she met future husband Stephen Fairclough. 

In 1996 she was given a BBC scholarship to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism in Cardiff. She started her career as a journalist with BBC Wales, working as South West Correspondent and later Political Correspondent, and presenting Assembly Live, Dau o'r Bae, AMPM, Maniffesto, Good Morning Wales, Good Evening Wales, Politics Show, Newyddion & Sunday Edition.

In 2007, she was invited to become Special Adviser to the "One Wales" Welsh Government, working on communications for deputy First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones. In 2011, after Plaid fell to third place in the Assembly Elections, Rhuanedd became Plaid Chief Executive, telling the party it must "broaden its appeal".  In 2012, she announced the election of Leanne Wood as leader: "Plaid is the only party which will ensure that the interest of Wales and its people will be advanced. I look forward to working with Leanne Wood as we continue the work of renewing the party."

In 2016, she left that process of renewal for a job as Special Adviser to the Assembly Presiding Officer, working for Elin Jones of Plaid Cymru.  Elin is the partner of tv producer Carolyn Hitt, whose company started Only Connect; Carolyn is now Head of Radio Wales and BBC Wales Sport, appointed in 2022. 

Elin Jones, Leanne Wood and Rhuanedd in 2012.

In 2018, Director of BBC Cymru Wales, Rhodri Talfan Davies announced “Rhuanedd is an accomplished and trusted leader with a deep understanding of Wales. She also has a real passion for radio and our Welsh language digital service - and I am delighted she is returning to BBC Wales to lead both Radio Cymru and Cymru Fyw."

In March 2021, Rhuanedd was appointed Director of Content & Services at BBC Cymru Wales; the new appointed Director of Nations and Wales, Rhodri Talfan Davies, said  “Rhuanedd is an exceptional leader and has made a huge impact since returning to the BBC almost three years ago."

In June 2025, Rhodri Talfan Davies stepped back from his role as Director, Nations and was replaced by
Rhuanedd Richards as Interim Director, Nations.  In turn, Rhuanedd appointed Garmon Rhys as interim Director Wales in the same month. 

Rhuanedd has Honorary Fellowships at Cardiff and Aberystwyth, where she is also deputy chair of the University Council. In 2024 she followed her father into the Gorsedd of Bards at the Pontypridd Eisteddfod. She became a Trustee of the RTS in January, also joining the Creative Industries Council.  She's on the management committee of Clwb y Bont, in Taff Street, Pontypridd CF37. 

The 2022 Geraint Stanley Jones Award for a contribution to music communication through broadcasting in Wales was awarded to Rhuanedd Richards, Director of BBC Wales.