 Bob Shennan had been controller of BBC Radio 5 Live since 2000 |
BBC Radio 5 Live's controller, Bob Shennan, is to leave the BBC to oversee Channel 4's new digital radio stations. He becomes Channel 4's director of radio, as the company prepares to launch three networks.
These will include a speech station aimed at young people - known as Channel 4 Radio - and a spin-off from the E4 television network.
Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt will take Mr Shennan's responsibilities until a replacement is found.
"I believe Channel 4's entry into UK radio is the most significant and exciting development in the market for a long time and I'm looking forward to leading it," he said in a statement.
Mr Shennan, 45, has been controller of 5 Live since 2000, and during this time, the station's audience reached a record total of just under seven million listeners.
He oversaw the launch of sister network 5 Live Sports Extra, and for the past three years has also had managerial responsibility for the BBC Asian Network.
The BBC's director of audio, Jenny Abramsky, said in an e-mail to staff it was "a wonderful opportunity" for Mr Shennan.
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