Sam Bailey has been appointed as managing director of the Audio Content Fund, which is back by the UK Government.
It will award grants to independent production companies to make public service content for commercial radio.
The scheme, which was announced in October, will award up to £3 million for original public service radio content. It will open its first funding round in April 2019 and appointments are being finalised for the panel to assess bids.
Bailey is currently a commissioning executive for BBC Radio 1 and has worked at the corporation for 14 years. He recently led Radio 1 Vintage for the station’s 50th anniversary. Previously, he led the BBC’s digital coverage of Glastonbury. He is also a trustee of t he Radio Academy.
Bailey will start in the new role on April 1, 2019. Criteria for the applications include recognition of diversity and new voices.
“I’m thrilled to be appointed as managing director of the Audio Content Fund,” said Bailey. “The UK indie sector is bursting at the seams with talent and incredible ideas - and the opportunities within commercial radio and elsewhere seem boundless. I can’t wait to get started.”
Will Jackson, a director of the Audio Content Fund, said: “We’re really pleased that Sam has agreed to be the managing director of the Fund. His experience and understanding of content commissioning and radio platforms will be invaluable and we really look forward to working with him.”
RadioCentre’s Siobhan Kenny, also a director of the Audio Content Fund, said: “The Audio Content Fund is a great initiative with the potential to broaden the range of public service content on commercial radio. Sam’s appointment is a crucial step in making this happen. We are delighted to have him on board ”.
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