BBC SEEKS HEAD OF POP

The BBC has created a new powerful role, Controller of BBC Pop Music, which aims to achieve better cohesion across its various pop music radio stations and maintain an effective voice within the music industry. According to a report in RadioToday, Ben Cooper is expected to take the position.

Cooper is currently Controller of Radio 1, 1Xtra and BBC Asian Network. Should he be appointed to the new role, that remit would extend to Radio 2 and 6 Music, and all commissioning heads of those respective networks would report into him.

According to the job ad, the Controller of BBC Pop Music will define and implement the commissioning, audience and marketing strategy for the pop music portfolio, and provide creative and editorial leadership to in-house and independent production communities and nurture original and diverse talent from amongst artists, performers, creative musicians and contributors.

James Purnell, Director of Radio & Education, announced the news in an internal memo, which said that the Beeb is also hiring for a Controller of streaming app BBC Sounds, who will help lead an ambitious strategy to compete with already-established streaming services.

Cooper started his career with BBC as a producer; he’s been Controller since 2011.