Biographies

Controller Radio 1, Popular Music, 1Xtra, Asian Network and Switch

Andy Parfitt has responsibility for BBC Radio 1, Popular Music, BBC 1Xtra, the BBC Asian Network and BBC Switch. He also oversees the pan-BBC music event, The Electric Proms.

Appointed Controller, Radio 1, in March 1998 he has successfully refreshed both the mainstream and specialist offering on the network and seen the reach of the station increase to more than 10 million listeners a week.

In 2006, under Andy's leadership, Radio 1 was named Station of the Year in the Sony Radio Awards.

Andy has also been at the heart of the station's transformation from a purely analogue offering to an interactive and innovative multiplatform proposition.

In 2002, Andy oversaw the conception and launch of 1Xtra, a new digital service playing the best in contemporary black music with a strong emphasis on live music and in supporting new UK artists.

The station now reaches a record 600,000 listeners a week and has helped the BBC to reach a hitherto under-served young ethnic audience, garnering praise from both the target audience and opinion formers alike.

With his outstanding track record in leading the BBC's younger-focused networks, in 2007 BBC Director-General Mark Thompson asked Andy to oversee the development of the BBC's teen offering as part of the organisation's Creative Future strategy.

In October 2007, Andy unveiled BBC Switch – a range of distinctive high-quality content for 12 to 17 year-olds delivered across multiple platforms (TV, radio and online).

Now entering its second year, BBC Switch is breaking new ground with innovative, interactive content and its commitment to bringing new talent to the BBC has been demonstrated with presenters such as Tom Deacon and Nick Grimshaw.

Following the departure of Bob Shennan in December 2007, Andy was asked to caretake the role of Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live and the Asian Network.

He took full-time responsibility for the Asian Network in April 2008 and has overseen a revamp of the network's schedule which has seen Adil Ray take over the breakfast show.

In December 2008, Andy added the role of Controller, BBC Popular Music to his existing portfolio of BBC services and is now responsible for driving the BBC's popular music strategy forward across all platforms.

Prior to being appointed as Controller of Radio 1 in 1998, Andy was the network's Deputy Controller.

Andy moved to Radio 1 as Chief Assistant to the Controller in 1993; a year later he was promoted first to Editor, Commissioning and Planning. Soon after this he became Managing Editor and then Deputy Controller.

Andy joined the BBC in 1980 as a Studio Manager and then took up a British Forces Broadcasting Services secondment in the Falkland Islands.

On his return he became a producer in BBC Education, before moving to BBC Radio 4 in 1984. Here he produced arts and magazine programmes including Pick Of The Week and Bookshelf.

In 1989 Andy became an integral part of the launch team for the original BBC Radio 5. As the network's Assistant Editor he established and edited Danny Baker's Morning Edition and Six-O-Six. He was also responsible for the network's schedules management and presentation. From there he joined Radio 1.

Andy is a Trustee on the Board of the Radio Academy.