Richard Maddock has been appointed as the new Head of 5 Live, overseeing 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and the Sounds sports streams, as well as Sports Extra 2 and 3.
The newly created role comes as Heidi Dawson becomes the Head of North England. Dawson will continue as Controller of 5 Live.
BBC said Maddock’s leadership would ensure “continuity and innovation” during the 18-month transition, so that Dawson can “focus strategic work whilst maintaining oversight of the station.”
He’ll start the role on Monday.
READ MORE – How I Became: Richard Maddock, Lead Commissioning Editor, BBC Radio 5 Live
Since 2013 he’s been Commissioning Editor at BBC Radio 5 Live, managing live programming and a slate of more than 30 podcasts. In this role, he has worked with independent production companies and internal teams to deliver content to an audience of over six million weekly listeners.
Prior to joining the BBC, Richard spent more than 20 years in commercial radio, including senior leadership roles at Bauer Media.
“Having been at the station for 12 years and working so closely with programmes teams both inside the BBC and within the independent production sector, I know how creative, passionate, and dedicated they all are,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to what is an exciting next 18 months for 5 Live and Sports Extra and I’m delighted to be able to help keep the network driving forward.”
