Global Radio has announced the appointment of Chris Baughen as managing editor of XFM.
Reporting to director of broadcasting and group executive director, Richard Park, Baughen will be responsible for Xfm’s entire programming and output from both its London and Manchester bases.
Baughen already enjoyed success at Global Radio, having been Senior Producer at XFM, before becoming executive producer of Capital Breakfast on London’s 95.8 Capital FM. He will re-join XFM in late September.
Chris Baughen said: “XFM has always been special to me both as a listener and a programmer and I can't wait to get stuck in! It's my aim to take the station to even greater heights, building on the past twenty years of fantastic music and groundbreaking presenters.”
Chris is replacing Andy Ashton who is leaving the station to take up a new role with an online and digital media company.
Ashton has been programme director of XFM for nearly two years and part of the team that brought Mary Ann Hobbs to the network and recruited Danny Wallace to the London breakfast show. More recently, XFM won a coveted Gold Award for the station’s Naked Breakfast show at this year’s Sony Radio Academy Awards.
Andy Ashton said: “I've had an absolutely fantastic time at XFM and Global Radio over the last twenty months. It's an amazing company and I will miss the people greatly. I am extremely proud to be handing over a network with a revitalised energy, a strong identity and a roster of talent to die for. The culture of creativity and innovation we have built will benefit the network for years to come.”
Richard Park said: “Chris is a highly experienced and dedicated programmer with a real passion for radio and especially XFM. His leadership and commitment will be a tremendous asset to everyone at the station. I would like to thank Andy for all his hard work and enthusiasm during his time with Global Radio and we wish him every success with his new ventures.”
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