Former BBC documentaries commissioner Russell Crewe has been appointed head of radio programmes at radio and TV independent production company Made in Manchester.
Russell previously worked at BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1 and will oversee production of all MIM radio productions, reporting directly to creative director and MIM founder Ashley Byrne.
Ashley says: “I have always admired Russell’s attention to detail, passion for production quality and, as a commissioner, his hands-on approach. He cares about every stage of the production process and he is just what we need as MIM continues to grow.”
Made in Manchester, which also has a PR and Marketing arm, is currently making a slate of programmes for BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 with several more shortlisted for other networks.
Russell will concentrate on programme production and delivery freeing Ashley up to focus on commissioning, ideas and development.
Russell says: “The great thing about MIM is that Ashley and his team are willing to take a punt on new, sometimes unusual ideas and run with them. Radio indies’ have to come out of their comfort zone if they’re to be in a position to supply mass programming to not just the BBC but the likes of Channel 4 Radio also. I’m delighted to be able to assist Ashley in growing and developing the MIM team and brand.”
This week, MIM Creative Director Ashley Byrne, who is also a director of the industry trade body RIG, is meeting bosses at MediaCityUK where he will lobby for more support for the independent radio production sector.
Ashley is keen to see facilities developed at the Salford site which would help Britain’s radio indie sector meet the demands of Channel 4Radio.
Ashley says: “The arrival of 4Radio could do for the radio indie sector what the arrival of Channel 4 did for the TV indie sector in 1982. However, unless the broadcasters, developers and producers begin to think strategically we will miss the opportunity – and mass independent radio production will end up being the preserve of a few big players.”