Cooper to replace Tabor at Radio Academy

Controller of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra Ben Cooper has been appointed as Chairman of the Radio Academy, taking over from Ashley Tabor.

Ashley is stepping down from the position at the end of his two year term, in line with the Academy’s policy to rotate the Chairmanship of the Trustees every two years between the commercial sector and the BBC.

The current Radio Academy Trustees are Gloria Abramoff, Travis Baxter, Chris Burns, Andy Carter, Ben Cooper, James Cridland, Lisa Kerr, Paul March, Mark Story and Scott Taunton. Ashley Tabor and John Myers will also be co-opted as Trustees from May.

Mandy O’Connor, Acting General Manager of The Radio Academy, said: “We’re delighted that Ben Cooper has been appointed Chair of The Radio Academy and we look forward to working with him over his tenure. The Academy would also like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Ashley Tabor for his leadership and passion over the past two years. He leaves the Academy in a much stronger position than ever before.”

Commenting on his appointment, Ben Cooper said: “I am delighted to be leading The Radio Academy – it is the only place where the whole of the UK radio industry comes together to celebrate and champion the medium we love.”

Ashley Tabor, Founder and Executive President of Global Radio, said: “I am thrilled that Ben Cooper succeeds me as Chairman of the Academy. We have achieved a lot together, including enhancing the Radio Festival and the Sony Radio Academy Awards, resulting in two brilliant events and a clear focus for the Academy. We also leave the Academy in great financial health. But there is more to do, and Ben’s vision will ensure that the good work continues.”

In other Academy news, Chris Burns will chair Radio Festival 2013 and will shortly be putting together her committee for the event, scheduled for 14th–16th October in Salford, and John Myers has agreed to continue his chairmanship of the Sony Radio Academy Awards for another year.