Huw Edwards Launches Substack to Rebuild Life
Disgraced BBC newsreader Huw Edwards has returned to journalism by launching his own Substack, a platform for digital newsletters. In his introductory post, the Welsh news presenter said he would be "tentatively" offering some commentary and analysis on events, acknowledging that some people may not want to read his work but stating he is "attempting to rebuild some kind of worthwhile life."
Edwards, who pleaded guilty in July 2024 to three counts of making indecent images of children—including six category A images—was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and placed on the sex offenders' register. His last BBC broadcast was around three years ago, after The Sun published a story about a well-known BBC presenter paying a young person more than £35,000 for "sordid images." His wife later named him as the presenter, and he was hospitalized for depression.
Content and Mental Health Focus
Edwards said his Substack would promote "serious debate and analysis" on local and national matters, politics, media, and culture. He also plans to discuss the criminal justice system "in light of" his recent experience. The former news anchor emphasized being "unflinchingly honest" about long-term mental illness and its impact on sufferers and their families, adding that writing would help him deal with his mental health and "overcoming trauma."
In his first official article, titled 'King Andy,' Edwards reflected on the likelihood that newly-elected Makerfield MP Andy Burnham will replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, comparing how the last six PMs came to power. He wrote from west Wales, stating that Starmer had no choice but to resign because "the crisis of leadership was real."
Subscription and Future Plans
Edwards said he has no plans to introduce paid subscriptions and intends to post weekly. The Metropolitan Police initially found no evidence of criminal offences after the allegations emerged, but in July 2024, they charged Edwards with three counts of making indecent images of children. He resigned from the BBC in April 2024.
