Bob Shennan, controller of BBC Radio Five Live and BBC Asian Network, is joining Channel 4 Radio. His departure was confirmed in an email to staff on Monday. He follows Five Live managing editor Moz Dee who also quit the station a few weeks ago to join UTV.
In his new role Shennan will head up the Channel 4 Radio division and will have responsibility for programming and performance of the new national digital radio stations – E4 Radio, Channel 4 Radio and Pure4 – that will launch from 2008 onwards. He will report directly to Channel 4's chief executive, Andy Duncan, and head up the launch of the company's three new national radio stations.
Duncan said: “Bob has helped make Five Live one of the UK’s most popular and admired networks. It’s a coup to attract someone of his profile and experience – his appointment is a boost to our plans as we move from a successful bid stage towards delivery.
Shennan added: “I believe Channel 4’s entry into UK radio is the most significant and exciting development in the market for a long time and I’m looking forward to leading it.“
BBC director of audio Jenny Abramsky announced the news in an email to BBC staff earlier today. "It will be good to have a familiar face, and someone who is deeply committed to radio as a whole, leading one of the biggest developments for radio in the UK for many years," said Abramsky.