Fresh from the launch of a new website for Virgin Radio, James Cridland, Director of Digital Media at the station has appointed a 12-stong editorial, development, production and sales team, in an expansion to its in-house digital media operations.
James is proud of the fact that everything is created in-house: ?Out-sourcing your online activity simply isn't an option in today's world; as a radio station like no other, we deserve a website like no other. We can?t achieve that by using the same features that others are using."
New appointments include Claire Thrift as Featured Producer who joins from Emap television, and Sharne Marshall as Commercial Producer, joining from the Guardian Media Group. Other joiners are John Martin as Developer/Designer, Simon Ngo as Assistant Developer, and Emily Park and Llia Apostolou as Assistant Producers. They join Anthony Abbott, the station?s Website Editor.
Both Anthony Abbott and John Martin know the radio station well, having spent their university work placement years at the station. Both achieved a first class degree upon returning to Staffordshire University. Virgin Radio?s Digital Media team has a long tradition of successful work placements; students from the station are also now in roles within English Heritage, games developer NCSoft, the BBC, GMG, and the government. These appointments mark a huge investment for Virgin Radio as it expands its in-house digital media team from just three a year ago. They will support the launch of the new-look Virgin Radio website and other digital platforms, including Nokia?s Visual Radio and increased interactivity on other areas.
Aside from the editorial, development and production new joiners, additional commercial appointments will support Rowan Link, Head of Digital Media Sales, who joined the station in January, when online sales returned in-house.
Virgin Radio?s Digital Media team were wholly responsible for the design and build of the new website; website hosting and online streaming is achieved internally by the station?s Technology Services department. "With a new-look website and a presence on every possible digital platform for radio, we?re cementing our position as one of the UK?s top digital brands. We?ve now got the resource and talent to generate some really exciting new content and channels that both listeners and advertisers will love; and the capability to move quickly to make the most of new technologies and trends,? said James Cridland.