 | Press ReleasesNihal takes over BBC Asian Network phone-in; Anita Rani to host Asian Network Report |
BBC Radio 1 DJ Nihal Arthanayake will take the reins of the BBC Asian Network weekdays morning phone-in, it was announced today. Nihal already presents Kicking Off With Nihal on Saturdays during the football season on the Asian Network and simulcasts his Radio 1 show with Bobby Friction on Tuesday evenings. He will succeed Anita Rani on the programme - broadcast weekdays, 9am to noon - from Tuesday 8 May 2007. A hard-working broadcaster across radio and television, Nihal presents Desi DNA on BBC Television alongside his radio and music commitments. He has deputised on the Asian Network phone-in before and has authored TV documentaries on social issues and multi-culturalism. Nihal has made his name championing Asian music and youth issues. In 2005 Bobby Friction and Nihal were cultural ambassadors for the successful London 2012 Olympic Bid and Nihal is the youngest Board member of the British Council. Anita Rani will become the regular voice on the Asian Network's documentary strand The Asian Network Report (Mondays, 6.30pm). Nihal said: "People know me primarily as a music person but I take great interest in issues that affect the Asian community in the 21st century. "The phone-in really gets under the skin of what British Asians are thinking and how that affects what it's like to live in Britain for everybody." Asian Network Controller Bob Shennan said: "Nihal and Anita are exciting BBC talents with a big future. "They will be filling two crucial roles on the network and bring their energy and insight to the heart of our journalism and debate." Notes to Editors You can listen to the BBC Asian Network via DAB digital radio, digital tv, online at bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork and on MW frequencies in the Midlands. DR2 | 
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