BBC to create four new commissioning roles in Network Radio

Four new roles are being created across BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live in Commissioning.

The positions are designed to increase the BBC’s commissioning footprint outside of London and widen and diversify the BBC’s talent pool as part of the BBC’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

The Radio 5 Live role is ringfenced for disabled people as part of the BBC’s Extend programme.

Last year, five new posts in television were created in the Nations and English Regions, and two in London as part of the BBC’s Elevate programme for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent TV talent.

Heidi Dawson, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live and Head of BBC in Salford, says: “Brilliant, creative people are at the heart of the success of BBC Radio, as they help our stations and programmes to connect with audiences across the UK. I’m excited that we are able to open up these opportunities in Salford and London for new talent to come and pursue fresh ideas, highlight different experiences, and create world class content across our speech and music stations.”

The Radio 5 Live Assistant Commissioner will work on the station’s slate of BBC Sounds podcasts, and the role will also broaden the pipeline for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent talent. The role will be based in Salford where Radio 5 Live has broadcast since 2011.

The Radio 3 Assistant Commissioner will work closely with the commissioning team to deliver a broad range of diverse content. The successful candidate will be based in Salford, as Radio 3 strengthens its classical roots in Salford by creating a new hub for classical music broadcasting in the North of England.

The Radio 2 role will be based either in London or Salford, and the successful candidate will work closely with the commissioning and management team of Radio 2. They’ll help to steer Radio 2’s digital strategy in BBC Sounds, and manage and deliver large scale projects for the station.

Radio 4’s Assistant Commissioner will focus on the station’s comedy and drama output. They’ll contribute to the development pipeline for the station, particularly in under-represented areas and maximizing the impact of existing and upcoming commissions. The successful candidate will contribute to Radio 4’s digital strategy in BBC Sounds and spot new talent and trends across a range of platforms. The role is based in London.

Each of the roles will be 12-month contracts.