New senior appointments on Radio 1 and 1Xtra

The BBC has announced new senior appointments on Radio 1 and 1Xtra.

Ben Cooper, currently head of mainstream at Radio 1 has been appointed to the new position of head of programmes, Radio 1. Lorna Clarke, festival director of BBC Electric Proms, has been appointed head of programmes at 1Xtra, retaining the remit of the festival director position.

The new posts have been created by Andy Parfitt, controller of Radio 1 and 1Xtra at the request of BBC director general Mark Thompson who wants to strengthen the BBC's output for the younger teenage audience.

Ian Parkinson has also been appointed to the new combined role of head of editorial standards at Radio 1/1Xtra and music development projects, radio and music interactive.

Commenting on these new appointments, Andy Parfitt said: "Lorna, Ben and Ian are exceptional talents. Radio 1 and 1Xtra both need the best leadership possible and, in Ben and Lorna, I absolutely believe they will have it.

"Ian has an extraordinary range and depth of experience that will mean that we can continue to push boundaries to reach our young audience while maintaining the highest editorial standards.

"This restructure is essential to future proof both networks and ensure that the strategies for Radio 1 and 1Xtra are delivered effectively."

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