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Media
Cooper confirmed as new Radio 1 chief
By CMU Editorial | Published on Monday 31 October 2011
As expected, the BBC last week confirmed that Ben Cooper will become the new controller of Radio 1 and 1Xtra, taking over from Andy Parfitt who departed the Beeb earlier this year.
Cooper has been Acting Controller since Parfitt’s departure, and was already in charge of Radio 1’s day-to-day operations before that as Deputy Controller. Although it’s thought Cooper has some ideas for making subtle changes to Radio 1’s output, the appointment of an insider to the top job means a radical overhaul is now unlikely.
Confirming the appointment, the BBC’s top radio man Tim Davie told Radio 1 staff: “It is excellent to have someone of Ben’s calibre and experience to lead Radio 1 and keep the station as relevant, popular and distinctive as ever. Ben has an outstanding track record at Radio 1 and 1Xtra, where he has played an integral role in developing the quality and reach of both networks, and I look forward to working with him in building Radio 1’s digital future”.
