BBC makes changes to music management

The BBC has appointed Mark Cooper as Head of Music Television to oversee a new combined department producing both classical and popular music. Cooper, currently Creative Head of Music Entertainment, moves into his new role this month.

The changes are part of plans to develop a radio and television music hub in central London, which will be an unrivalled centre of excellence and expertise in music broadcasting across genres and platforms.

Graham Ellis, acting Director of BBC Radio with responsibility for music programmes, says: “Mark has an outstanding track record in television music production and he has been responsible for many of the BBC’s most successful popular music programmes. This move brings together our in-house television music production teams in London and, under Mark’s leadership, allows them to forge new creative partnerships which will delight audiences and reflect the rich musical life of the nation.”

The BBC is the world’s biggest broadcaster of original music content, offering over 250 hours or original music TV programming every year from the in-house team and independent production companies. The new department will be responsible for making and producing all in-house output – from the Proms to Glastonbury.

Cooper has worked at the BBC for 23 years and his credits include BBC TV’s longest running live music programme, Later… With Jools Holland. He has led BBC television coverage of Glastonbury, Reading and Radio 1’s Big Weekend and has been responsible for major documentaries on BBC Two and BBC Four, notably the Britannia strand exploring diverse genres from jazz to metal to soul and beyond.

Mark Cooper says: “It’s a tremendous honour to be asked to lead a team which brings together the expertise and passion that drives our coverage of everything from the Proms to Glastonbury as well as our documentary output. We can maximise the benefits of the classical and popular music production teams working together in the same building without diminishing their unique contributions.”

[Reported by Mike Watkins]