BBC Radio and Music director Bob Shennan has announced two major appointments for Radio 2 and 6 Music, as the company’s internal restructure continues.
The latest changes see Lewis Carnie and Paul Rodgers appointed head of programmes for Radio 2 and 6 Music respectively.
In an email to staff, Shennan outlined his plans for leadership of Radio 2 and 6 Music following his recent appointment as director. There will be no direct replacement of Shennan’s former role as controller of Radio 2 and 6 Music, with Lewis and Paul instead reporting directly to Shennan and overseeing day-to-day output for the stations.
Shennan’s email explained: “I decided not to create a controller position because my role is slightly different from previous directors of Radio; I won’t be on the BBC’s executive board and as a result I expect to be able to remain more closely involved in the direction and development of both Radio and BBC Music, to be more ‘hands-on’. We have been an able team. Lewis and Paul are very strong editorial leaders. They are already doing great work and this will ensure continuity in 2 and 6, building on both stations’ recent success. I am very excited about the possibilities for Radio and Music, with all our network radio together in one place, alongside a multi-platform BBC Music.”
Shennan confirmed that Lorna Clarke, head of production for Radio 2 and 6 Music, will continue to report directly to him, while Jeff Smith continues as head of music for Radio 2 and 6 Music.
It was also announced that Jan Younghusband, commissioning editor, BBC Music, will move into the Radio and Music team report to Shennan.
“I’m delighted that Jan will officially join the BBC Music family,” Shennan added. “She is a great creative talent and will help me define a compelling, joined up music strategy for TV that dovetails with everything we do in radio and online. For the first time ever, we will have a TV slate within BBC Music and all Music commissioning decisions being made in the same space. We’re now able to take a thoroughly joined up approach to Music decision-making and having Jan based at the heart of Radio and Music will be transformational to the way we work.”
Earlier this month, Ben Cooper was appointed controller of BBC Radio’s Asian Network, replacing Shennan in the role following his promotion.
