BBC Names Lorna Clarke First Ever ‘Pop Controller’
Lorna Clarke has been named as the first BBC controller of pop music. She will be responsible for all pop stations including Radio 1, Radio 1Xtra, Radio 2, Radio 6 Music, and Asian Network, in addition to other music output such as BBC Music and music television.
She will also be tasked with improving programming, providing leadership and working with the music industry to foster new talent.
Clarke has almost 30 years of broadcasting experience, joining Kiss 100 FM in 1990 as London program director. She joined the BBC in 1997, first working on Radio 1 and launching the Sara Cox breakfast show. Between 2005 and 2010, she was the director of Electric Proms, for which she launched and curated performances on all the BBC’s pop music stations as well as Radio 3, BBC One and BBC Two. Also in 2010, she became the network manager for Radio 2 and 6 Music, and in 2011 she became the network manager for Asian Network. In 2017, Clarke was appointed head of production for Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music.
“My career has been defined by music, and as a music lover I want the BBC to continue to bring the world of music even closer to our listeners,” said Clarke. “These are exciting times for the BBC and the music industry globally, where change is affecting us all at a rapid pace. I am really looking forward to working with the industry and our partners to continue delivering amazing music for our audiences.”
Other senior appointments at the BBC include Jonathan Wall, who has been confirmed as the first controller of BBC Sounds and Mohit Bakaya, who has been named as the next controller of Radio 4.
Clarke will start in September while Wall and Bakaya will take on their new roles in August.
