Ben Cooper has been named controller of BBC Radio’s Asian Network, replacing Bob Shennan in the role following his appointment to director of BBC Radio last month.
Cooper will continue to head up Radio 1 and 1Xtra in addition to his new role. BBC Radio is now searching for a new controller to head up Radio 2 and 6 Music.
The move comes after Shennan, who was previously controller of Radio 2, Asian Network and 6 Music and Director of BBC Music, took up the role of director of BBC Radio last month. Shennan will now be tasked with looking after the day-to-day running of BBC network radio, where he will report to James Purnell, director of Radio & Education, who has strategic, editorial and budgetary responsibility across arts, children’s, education, music, partnerships and network radio.
The role will also see Shennan oversee of BBC Radios 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 live and digital-only stations 1Xtra, 6Music, BBC Radio 4 Extra, 5 live sports extra and Asian Network, as well as the BBC Performing Groups, the BBC Proms, BBC Music and radio production.
Purnell said: “I’m delighted to appoint Bob to this important post. Bob has an outstanding breadth of experience and has made a huge contribution to BBC Radio over many years. He has proven, through Radio 2, that BBC services can be both distinctive and popular, has brought digital-only services 6 Music and Asian Network to record audiences and has successfully launched BBC Music. I am looking forward to working with him on the next chapter for BBC Radio.”
Shennan added: “Radio is a jewel in the BBC crown and continues to thrive in spite of the changing technological times. BBC Radio is world class and it will be an honour to lead it and make sure it stays that way.”
