Boss of Radio 1 visits BU

The Programme Controller of Radio 1 and 1Xtra will take part in an open talk and discussion at Bournemouth University’s (BU) Media School on 7 February.

Andy Parfitt was appointed boss of Radio 1 in March 1998 and led the organisation to a Sony Station of the Year award in 2006 and a listener increase of nearly 12 million per week.

In 2002 he oversaw the birth of the digital station, 1Xtra, which plays contemporary black music.

Andy will be in conversation with Professor of Radio Sean Street in a wide ranging discussion and Q&A open to the students. Topics covered are expected to include the role of Public Service Broadcasting within the Radio 1 and 1Xtra remit and the impending closure of the BBC Asian Network Digital Radio service.

Sean Street, Professor of Radio and Director of the Centre for Broadcasting History Research, said: “Andy Parfitt has been a great friend and supporter to radio here at BU and has visited us previously on a number of occasions. Radio students from our courses carry a strong reputation in the corridors of Radio 1 and the presence of the network controller can only develop and enhance knowledge of how music-based public service broadcasting operates.”

The session is open to BU staff and students and takes place on 7 February at 2pm in the Screening Room (W241), Weymouth House, Talbot Campus.

Tickets are available on a first come first served basis and can be collected from the CEMP office (W249).

Before his session Andy will re-launch BU’s internet radio station, BIRSt, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year alongside the MA Radio Production.

• BA (Hons) Radio
• MA Radio Production
• Radio Presenting Workshop (Short Course)
• BIRSt