Stein swaps Key 103 for Bauer group role

Key 103 Station and Programme Director Gary Stein is leaving Key 103 to take on a new role as Director of Music for Bauer Media.

Gary will manage the whole musical output across the 16 northern English and Scottish Place radio stations whilst Kiss and Magic in London will continue to be managed by Christian Smith and Sheena Mason, Heads of Music for Kiss and Magic 105.4 respectively.

From Monday, he’ll work closely with Bauer’s cross-platform Music & Content Director Ric Blaxill, who will continue to be the label entry point into Bauer Media Group for big network artist projects.

Stein has worked at Bauer Media (previously Emap) for seventeen years, including stints at Radio Clyde, Northsound Radio and Hallam FM. He picked up the Arqiva UK Programmer of the Year in 2011 and was at Key 103 when the station won UK Station of the Year Award in 2008.

He joined Key in 2006, and in 2009 he was promoted from Programme Director to the additional role of Station Director, replacing Tracey Eastwood.

Dee Ford, MD, Bauer Radio said: “This transformational new role has been created to ensure that Bauer continues to punch above its weight with listener loyalty by providing the best quality music and an even better listening experience for our audiences across our Place stations. Gary will be bringing a wealth of consumer and music experience to the job, he is a passionate radio programmer who understands the opportunity in delighting listeners.”

Stein’s replacement at Key 103 will be confirmed shortly.