The Controller of Radio 1, 1Xtra, Popular Music and Asian Network Andy Parfitt has announced to staff that he is leaving the station next week after 13 years in charge.
Deptuty Controller Ben Cooper will become Acting Controller for Radio 1 and 1 Xtra, whilst BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music boss Bob Shennan takes the additional temporary title of Controller of Popular Music and Asian Network.
He made the announcement to staff this morning, with Radio 1’s PR department tweeting the news shortly afterwards. Afternoon presenter Scott Mills was quick to tweet: “My boss for my whole time of being here. It’s a sad day and he will be missed.”
Chris Moyles said: “It’s been announced that my friend and boss #andyparfitt is to leave @BBCR1 I’ll miss working, laughing and arguing with him! Good Luck pal.”
Andy was appointed Controller, BBC Radio 1, in March 1998, with extra responsibilities for BBC Popular Music and 1 Xtra being added in recent years.
He said: “I am immensely proud to have held this position and I leave with all three stations in great shape with their listening figures at record highs and following a great BBC wide Glastonbury event. I’m most proud of the incredible teams I’m leaving behind – a group of talented, hardworking, creative and inspirational people who are a credit to the BBC.”
Tim Davie, Director, Audio & Music, said: “Andy has been a fantastic Controller and leaves Radio 1 in rude health – with distinctive, high quality programmes and record listening figures – having transformed the station into a fully interactive digital proposition. He has been an inspirational leader within the BBC and a highly respected across the whole of the radio industry.”
Prior to being appointed as Controller of Radio 1 in 1998, Andy was the network’s Deputy Controller. Andy moved to Radio 1 as Chief Assistant to the Controller in 1993 and, a year later, he was promoted to Editor, Commissioning and Planning. Soon after this he became Managing Editor and then Deputy Controller.
Tim Davie will soon begin the recruitment process to appoint a new Controller.
Posted on Thursday, July 21st, 2011 at 8:32 am by RadioToday UK