BBC Worldwide loses TOTP chief

BBC Worldwide Music has lost its global brand manager for Top of the Pops. Leslie Golding was only appointed to the new role only last March (MW March 12).

It is understood that Golding decided not to renew his contract with the corporation to take time off to travel.

The corporation is interviewing candidates to fill the position, which reports to John Willan, director of BBC Worldwide Music. This division is part of the corporation’s commercial arm.

Golding’s post was the first of a number of global programme appointments as the BBC pushed its strongest shows across a range of markets and media.

Over the past year TOTP, which has been shown on the BBC for 34 years, has extended into a number of formats.

The show has released two compilation CDs featuring bands who appeared on the show. The UK Top of the Pops magazine plans to launch across various European markets.

This autumn the show announced a deal to air in Germany with local terrestrial station RTL.

The show will continue to be called TOTP but will integrate local German bands with the programme’s traditional mix of British and American acts (MW August 6).