New controller named at BBC Radio 4

Michael Hedges October 1, 2004

BBC News deputy director Mark Damazer has been appointed Controller of BBC Radio 4 and BBC 7.

"Being Controller of Radio 4 is the best job in broadcasting, “ said Damazer in a BBC press statement.  “I am privileged to be given the opportunity of working with so many talented and creative people.”

Damazer succeeds Helen Boaden, now Director of BBC News. The announcement of his appointment was made September 25th. Controller of Radio 4 carries considerable prestige. Other candidates considered include Roger Mosey, Head of BBC TV.

Though he has little radio experience, Damazer’s appointment to lead Radio 4 is seen as a solid step in re-building internal confidence in the wake of last years Hutton inquiry and its January report criticizing BBC news judgment. Damazer helped former BBC Director General Greg Dyke reply to the governments’ complaints over a Radio 4 news report. Those complaints led to Lord Hutton’s inquiry, after which BBC Chairman Gavyn Davies resigned and Greg Dyke was fired.  BBC staff rallied in Dykes’ support and, according to new staff members who asked not to be identified, considerable resentment remains toward Prime Minister Tony Blair and his political advisors.

After the Hutton report was released, Radio 4 was awarded Sony Station of the Year. The channel reaches about 9.5m listeners.

 "Radio 4 is in terrific shape, “ said Damazer, “and my challenge is to cherish it, sustain it and make sure it remains the home for intelligence, flair and wit.”

“The Controller is where the buck stops,” explained Radio 4 spokesperson Marion Greenwood.

“In radio he or she is responsible for the network which means for the overall purpose and vision of the network, the strategy for implementing the vision, commissioning the programmes, being answerable for the network's performance to the Director of Radio & Music, the Director-General, the Governors, OFCOM, DCMS and most importantly, to the license-payers. They have charge of the budget, talent management and for the small number of management staff. They also have to maintain good relationships with the talent unions (Equity, the Society of Authors, the Writers Guild etc), and woo other talent they would like to see on their network.  They appear on public platforms, give speeches and are senior members of the BBC hierarchy so have to play a role there, too.”

Add your thoughts and opinions on this or any other article, join the CONVERSATION