BBC Radio 5 Live commissioning editor Moz Dee is joining UTV Radio early next year to take up the position of director of programmes. He will be responsible for output at talkSPORT and the new digital offering Talk Radio, due to launch nationally next year.
Bill Ridley retires from the station after eight years at the helm of the station’s programming.
Scott Taunton, talkSPORT chief executive, said: “I’m delighted to announce that Moz Dee is joining talkSPORT and Talk Radio. Moz has a wealth of experience in speech radio, which will be invaluable as UTV continues to invest and grow its radio assets. He will have a pivotal role in the launch of Talk Radio in the summer of 2008 and as well as driving forward the company’s flagship station, talkSPORT. I look forward to working with him in the near future.”
On Bill Ridley’s decision to retire, Taunton added: “Regrettably Bill Ridley has taken the decision to retire from the position of programme director following eight tremendous years with talkSPORT. His achievements during this period have been without parallel and earlier this year Bill took talkSPORT to its highest ever market share. No one was more worthy of the recognition he received at the Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards this year, where he was awarded Programmer of the Year. I’m delighted that Bill has agreed to continue to play a significant role as a consultant to the station and will be heavily involved in the exciting launch of Talk Radio later next year.”
Bill Ridley, talkSPORT Programme Director, said: "It's been a great eight years and I'm very grateful to Scott [Taunton] and to all of my colleagues who have helped make the station what it is today. Moz Dee is a great appointment and I look forward to helping him in anyway he wants me to.”
On leaving Five Live to join UTV Radio, Dee said: "I've had eight fantastic years at Five Live. It's been a privilege to work with Bob Shennan and the team.
"The decision to leave clearly wasn't taken lightly. But the opportunity to work with UTV, talkSPORT and the new Talk Radio station was too good to resist. UTV is a dynamic commercial operation and Talk is a fantastic product. I look forward to contributing to their continued growth and success.
“On a personal note, I would like to congratulate Bill on his retirement. Under his guidance, talkSPORT has become a major force in broadcasting and I wish him all the best.”
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