Ben Cooper appointed Radio 1 controller

Ben Cooper has been confirmed as the new Controller of BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra.

He replaces Andy Parfitt who left Radio 1 after 13 years in July earlier this year.

Ben has been Acting Controller, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra since Andy peft, prior to which he was Deputy Controller from February 2009, running Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra day to day and being the strategic lead for both stations. He will take up the role with immediate effect and report to Tim Davie, Director BBC Audio & Music.

Tim Davie said: “I am delighted to announce Ben Cooper as Controller of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra. It is excellent to have someone of Ben’s calibre and experience to lead Radio 1 and keep the station as relevant, popular and distinctive as ever.

“Ben has an outstanding track record at Radio 1 and 1Xtra, where he has played an integral role in developing the quality and reach of both networks, and I look forward to working with him in building Radio 1’s digital future.”

On taking up his position as Controller, Ben Cooper said: “This is a dream come true. I’m honoured to be leading the BBC’s youth music radio stations and care deeply that Radio 1 & 1Xtra lead the way in shaping media consumption for young audiences in the UK.”

Ben began his career in BBC Local Radio, presenting and producing on Hereford & Worcester and as a journalist at Three Counties Radio before becoming a producer at Radio 1.

He then spent some time in the commercial sector at Capital Radio as an Executive Producer, before returning to Radio 1, first as Head of Mainstream then as Head of Programmes.