Commissioning Editor for R1

Radio 1 and 1Xtra have appointed their first ever Commissioning Editor to look after documentaries and features and work with independent producers.

Piers Bradford takes up the role after 13 years at the BBC, most recently as Executive Producer for The Chris Moyles Show and other morning output at Radio 1.

Joe Harland will also take up a new role of Short Form Content Editor across both Radio 1 and 1Xtra.

As the Commissioning Editor, Piers will take the lead in setting out and delivering a robust and simple commissioning process. He will take responsibility for key parts of the Radio 1/1Xtra schedule and will work with in-house and independent programme makers to assemble and review output of the highest quality to serve audiences. In addition to being responsible for a range of programmes, including all documentaries and features, The Surgery and some specialist music strands, he will also lead the development of the Social Action output across both stations; gathering intelligence and audience insight, liaising with government and other institutions and devising and delivering campaigns.

Piers first joined the BBC in 1997 working on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show and has worked as the station’s Creative Executive, Weekend Executive Producer and as part of Radio 4 Arts team during his time at the organisation. He moves to this new role having spent three years as Radio 1’s Executive Producer for The Chris Moyles, Early Breakfast and Morning shows.

Piers says: "I am incredibly proud to be the first Commissioning Editor for Radio 1/1Xtra. I'm looking forward to forging closer links between the two networks and the indies, to ensure that our young audience gets to hear some of the most creative and engaging output possible."

Joe Harland's role will see him lead short form audio and visual content production, with full editorial and creative responsibility for the chapterisation and atomization of existing and new Radio 1/1Xtra audio content for online pages, syndication on external platforms or repackaging for further broadcast. He will be responsible for building and leading an expert team who develop the best practice production techniques from across the industry, maintaining the high quality content – leading and championing new formats, developing and implementing an innovative house style, as well as coordinating Visualisation at a Senior Level. He will also ensure that the that budgetary control and planning is clear and be responsible for creating, spotting and maximizing opportunities, ensuring that the he distribution of content is smart and coordinated.

Starting out as an Independent Producer, Joe made documentaries for Radio 1 and Radio 2 before joining the Evening Session in 1998. Before his role as Executive Producer overseeing the station's specialist output – garnering several Sony Awards along the way – he produced the Jo Whiley and Zane Lowe shows amongst others. Most recently he has led Radio 1/1Xtra documentaries alongside The Review Show and The Surgery.

Joe says: "As the way that young listeners consume radio continues to evolve, it's vital that BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra create the very best radio not only via FM and DAB, but also great audio and visual content that they can enjoy on their laptops, phones and via Social Media. Leading the Short Form team for the network is a massive opportunity, and one that will ensure both station's work is enjoyed by an ever growing audience of young music and entertainment fans."

Both roles will report to Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra Deputy Controller, Ben Cooper, who told us: "In 2011 I want Radio 1 to strengthen its relationship with the independent sector of the industry and work together to commission more high quality programmes that really stand out. I also want us to continue to drive innovation on digital platforms, looking at new ways to have a more meaningful relationship with our audience. I look forward to these two new jobs achieving these goals."