Biographies

Deputy Controller, Radio 1 and 1Xtra

Ben Cooper is Deputy Controller of BBC Radio 1 and BBC 1Xtra.

Ben was appointed to this position in February 2009 and he takes the lead role in implementing the strategies for both Radio 1 and 1Xtra, overseeing both networks' mainstream and specialist programmes.

Prior to this, Ben was Head of Programmes, Radio 1, a post he had held since November 2006.

He successfully directed a revamp of the station's schedule – dedicating Friday night to dance music and Saturday night to black music; hiring Vernon Kay, Greg James, Nick Grimshaw; making Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates the hosts of The Chart Show; and extending The Chris Moyles Show by half-an-hour.

His previous role was Head of Mainstream for Radio 1, implementing a series of major changes across the daytime schedule including Chris Moyles taking over the Breakfast Show and Scott Mills moving to the 4.00-7.00pm slot.

From 2001 to 2003, Ben was an Executive Producer at Capital Radio working with presenters Edith Bowman and Cat Deeley, before re-joining Radio 1 as Head of Mainstream.

Before joining Capital, Ben was a producer at Radio 1, running a number of shows including Nicky Campbell, Jo Whiley and Chris Moyles.

Ben started his broadcasting career in BBC Local Radio with stints as a reporter, presenter and producer at BBC Hereford & Worcester and BBC Three Counties Radio.

Ben graduated from university in 1990.