APPLE NICKS LOWE FROM BBC—UPDATE

Apple has reached across the Atlantic to snag BBC Radio 1 star jock Zane Lowe, and the move suggests that personality will be a component of the iTunes streaming service now under construction.

The New Zealand-born Lowe, 41, who joined the station in 2003, has built a stellar reputation as a discoverer and champion of new music—a role that could easily be applicable to the forthcoming service, which will likely feature a “curation” component imported from Beats Music. Zane, whose last show will air on 3/5, said he had "loved every minute" of being at Radio 1” in a press release issued by the BBC. "The station has allowed me to share incredible music with the country's best music fans."

If the hire is indeed part of the integration of Beats Music into the new Apple service, therer's a clear prededent; Beats has a history of ‎poaching high-profile, well-respected radio figures, notably including Julie Pilat from KIIS.

In a shocker, when asked for a comment by Music Week on Monday, Apple PR director Adam Howorth actually complied with the request and confirmed the hire. "Zane is one of the foremost music tastemakers in the world and a legendary music curator,” Howorth offered. “We’re excited to have him join the music team."

During his time on the station, Lowe has become well known for championing emerging talent; a number of acts have broken in the U.K. after having a track chosen by Lowe as the "hottest record in the world" and hyped on the show.

He also breaks with the scrupulously playlisted approach employed by Radio 1 overall, playing classic albums in full and leading an in-depth discussion of their merits, a la Jim Ladd. So Lowe appears to have all the prerequisites to become the face of the iTunes service. The accent doesn't hurt either.

Annie Mac, who hosts the station’s flagship dance music program, will take over the key 7-9pm week-night spot.