Nelson takes helm at BBC new media

The BBC has appointed Simon Nelson as its first controller of new media, radio and music.

Nelson, previously head of new services development, BBC Radio, will report to Jenny Abramsky, director of BBC Radio and Music.

He will be responsible for the development of the radio and music brands on all digital platforms.

Nelson will lead the roll-out of five new digital radio services along with the controllers of the existing BBC Radio network, should the stations be approved by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Before joining the BBC as senior strategy manager of radio in 1997, Nelson was brand development manager at The Independent.

He became head of strategy at BBC Radio in 1998 before spearheading development of Internet services for BBC radio as head of new services development last year.

Nelson says: “The department has the responsibility of extending both BBC Radio’s relationship with its audiences and the BBC’s reputation for innovation and creativity, so we can make the same mark in the digital age as we have in the analogue age.”

Abramsky adds: “Nelson has the task of establishing new media as a critical department in radio and music, by ensuring the strongest brands in radio benefit from new technology.”