Last updated November 2006
Category: Controllers
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As Controller, Multi-Platform & Portfolio for BBC Vision, Simon Nelson will
oversee the strategy for multi-platform services and content – working at the
heart of the channels with channel controllers, genre commissioners and Future
Media and Technology to develop digital services for the world of Web 2.0.
He
will introduce a multi-platform approach to scheduling and windowing, in order
to get maximum value from creative programme ideas.
Previously Simon was Controller, Radio and Music Interactive, and before
that Controller of New Media, Radio and Music.
He was responsible for the
development of BBC radio and music brands and content on digital platforms and
devices, including DAB digital radio, the internet, digital television and
mobiles.
Simon led the department at a time of rapid and revolutionary
innovation, including the introduction of the BBC Radio Player, Podcasting and
LiveText.
Trial podcasts of Beethoven symphony performances from BBC Radio 3
attracted more than one million download requests.
Simon also established
enhanced 'red button' radio and TV content, such as for the Proms and other
programming, on interactive TV.
Under Simon's leadership BBC Radio & Music Interactive won many prestigious
awards including at the Prix Europa, the Sony Awards, the Webby Awards and the
BT Digital Music Awards.
Simon also led the BBC's DAB activities and was on the
Digital Radio Development Board.
Simon was born in 1969 and grew up in Manchester, where he later gained an MBA
at the city's business school.
On moving to London in 1996, Simon became Brand Development Manager for The
Independent and The Independent on Sunday newspapers, where he helped develop
their marketing strategy.
In 1997, Simon became Senior Strategy Manager, BBC Radio, working with the then
Director of Radio, Matthew Bannister.
Promoted to Head of Strategy, Radio,
under the current Director of Radio & Music, Jenny Abramsky, he worked on the
development of the BBC's digital radio and new services strategy.
He then took
on the new post of Head of New Services Development, Radio in 1999, building
BBC Radio's internet presence which won a prestigious Prix Europa award for
convergence of the media in 2001.
Simon Nelson was appointed Controller of New Media, BBC Radio & Music in
December 2000.
In 2002 his department launched BBC Radio Player, offering
hundreds of BBC radio programmes to listen to online at listeners' convenience
for up to seven days after broadcast.
In the same year, the department created
a multi-platform proposition for the BBC Proms, with what is thought to be the
world's first interactive television application for classical music
complemented by the website and DAB digital radio text service.
The department was renamed Radio & Music Interactive in June 2003, with Simon
becoming Controller, BBC Radio & Music Interactive.
Simon enjoys music, travel, sport and spending time with his wife and three
young children.
