Sky News has appointed Sky Sports News’ David Ford as managing director of Sky News Radio.

Starting at the end of October, Ford will oversee next year's launch of Sky News Radio for London on LBC’s 1152AM frequency, and help develop a UK-wide 24-hour rolling news service for the 4Digital consortium on DAB.

Sky News' head of news John Ryley said: "David brings a wealth of broadcast experience and a proven track-record at Sky. He has the perfect credentials to spearhead the launch of Sky News Radio on DAB."

Ford joined Sky in 2004 as executive producer for Sky Sports News. Previously he edited the BBC One sports magazine In the Know in 2004. Ford has been a producer for BBC News 24, BBC Six O’clock News and in 2000, joined the BBC entertainment news show Liquid News as a writer, producer and later editor.

Ford gained radio experience working as a reporter for BBC Radio Leeds, before moving to BBC GLR and in 1994 he joined the launch team at BBC Radio 5 Live as a reporter and producer. Ford was a member of the Sony Award-winning Radio 5 Live Breakfast Show in 1995.

Ford said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to challenge the status quo and offer a real alternative to what’s currently on offer. Sky’s award-winning journalists in the UK and abroad will now have another outlet to deliver breaking news in a fresh, innovative way."

Head of Sky News Radio Andy Ivy will continue running Sky News Radio’s syndication service which provides news to more than 60 stations including Virgin Radio and talkSPORT.