One of the founders of BBC Radio 5 Live has been named as the news and sport network's new controller.

Bob Shennan, currently head of BBC Sport on TV and radio, takes up the new job in September.

He replaces Roger Mosey, who became head of television news last September, leaving head of radio Steve Mitchell as caretaker controller.

The 38-year-old father of three said: "This is a dream job for me - one I've always wanted to do.

"It's a privilege to be given responsibility for such a terrific and successful network."

He joined the BBC in 1987 as a trainee radio sport producer and worked his way up to become head of radio sport and outside broadcasts in 1994, where he was part of the team which founded Radio 5 Live.

Increasing competition

BBC Radio director Jenny Abramsky said: "I am really pleased that someone who has nurtured Radio 5Live will be taking the network into the future.

"Bob loves radio and his understanding of Radio 5Live will ensure it goes from strength to strength."

Earlier this month, BBC director general Greg Dyke announced he was moving 5Live from the remit of BBC News into that of BBC Radio.

The station currently reaches 6.1 million listeners each week.

Shennan joins as it faces increasing competition for sports rights from talkSPORT, the independent station controlled by former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie.

BBC News director Tony Hall said Shennan "has the skills and qualities to build still further on Radio 5Live's fantastic success and keep the station on top".