The BBC is expanding its successful Assistant Commissioner Programme with the creation of four new roles in network radio, up to three of which will be based in Salford.
Working for BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live, the roles will increase the BBC’s commissioning footprint outside of London and widen and diversify the BBC’s talent pool as part of its Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. The Radio 5 Live role is ringfenced for disabled people as part of the BBC’s Extend programme.
Last year, five new posts in television were created in the Nations and English Regions, and two in London as part of the BBC’s Elevate programme for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent TV talent.
Heidi Dawson, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live and head of BBC in Salford, said: “Brilliant, creative people are at the heart of the success of BBC Radio, as they help our stations and programmes to connect with audiences across the UK. I’m excited that we are able to open up these opportunities in Salford and London for new talent to come and pursue fresh ideas, highlight different experiences, and create world class content across our speech and music stations.”
Dawn Beresford, director of talent, commissioning, added: We’re delighted to build on the success of the TV Assistant Commissioner programme by expanding the initiative to Radio. Widening and diversifying our talent pool is essential to helping the BBC build value for audiences. Basing up to three roles in Salford demonstrates our commitment to achieving our Across the UK strategy and strengthens our presence in the regions.”
The Radio 5 Live Assistant Commissioner will work on the station’s ambitious slate of BBC Sounds podcasts, and the role will also broaden the pipeline for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent talent. The role will be based in Salford where Radio 5 Live has broadcast since 2011 and is the only national radio station in the UK to broadcast outside of London.
The Radio 3 Assistant Commissioner will work closely with the commissioning team to deliver a broad range of diverse and innovative content. The successful candidate will be based in Salford, as Radio 3 strengthens its classical roots in Salford by creating a new hub for classical music broadcasting in the North of England.
The Radio 2 role will be based either in London or Salford, and the successful candidate will work closely with the commissioning and management team of Radio 2, the biggest radio station in the UK. They’ll help to steer Radio 2’s digital strategy in BBC Sounds, and manage and deliver large scale projects for the station.
Radio 4’s Assistant Commissioner will focus on the station’s wide-ranging and innovative comedy and drama output. They’ll contribute to the development pipeline for the station, particularly in under-represented areas and maximizing the impact of existing and upcoming commissions. Radio 4 is the UK’s most listened to speech radio station, with a wealth of high quality podcasts. The successful candidate will contribute to Radio 4’s digital strategy in BBC Sounds and spot new talent and trends across a range of platforms. The role is based in London.
Each of the roles will be 12-month contracts. Further details of the roles and the application process can be found on the BBC Careers website. The deadline for applications is 26th September.
