As part of the BBC’s dedication to nurturing emerging talent and offering a diverse range of ideas to audiences both on-air and via BBC Sounds, the BBC’s highly successful Assistant Commissioner programme will be expanded with the introduction of four additional positions in network radio.
These roles, based at BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, and BBC Radio 5 Live, aim to broaden the BBC’s commissioning activities beyond London. They will also contribute to the diversification of the BBC’s talent pool in line with the BBC’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Notably, the Radio 5 Live position is reserved for disabled individuals as part of the BBC’s Extend initiative.
In the past year, the BBC created five new positions in television across the Nations and English Regions, along with two positions in London, under the BBC’s Elevate programme, specifically designed for TV talent who are deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent.
Heidi Dawson, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live and Head of BBC in Salford, says: “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, says: 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 Assistant Commissioner at Radio 5 Live will be involved in the station’s ambitious portfolio of BBC Sounds podcasts and will also help broaden opportunities for deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent talent. This role will be based in Salford, where Radio 5 Live has been broadcasting since 2011, making it the only national radio station in the UK to do so outside of London.
The Radio 3 Assistant Commissioner will collaborate closely with the commissioning team to deliver a diverse and innovative range of content. The successful candidate will be stationed in Salford, as Radio 3 reinforces its classical foundations in the North of England by establishing a new hub for classical music broadcasting.
The Radio 2 role will be located in either London or Salford. The successful candidate will work closely with the commissioning and management team of Radio 2, the UK’s largest radio station. They will play a role in shaping Radio 2’s digital strategy on BBC Sounds, as well as overseeing and delivering large-scale projects for the station.
The Assistant Commissioner at Radio 4 will be dedicated to the station’s extensive and innovative comedy and drama output. They will contribute to the development pipeline for the station, particularly in underrepresented areas, and will maximise the impact of existing and upcoming commissions. Radio 4, the UK’s most widely listened-to speech radio station, boasts a rich array of high-quality podcasts. The successful candidate will also contribute to Radio 4’s digital strategy on BBC Sounds and will identify emerging talent and trends across various platforms. This role will be based in London.
Each of these positions will be offered on 12-month contracts. Further details about the roles and the application process can be found on the BBC Careers website. The application deadline is the 26th of September.
