BBC appoints global chief for Top of the Pops brand

BBC Worldwide Music has appointed Leslie Golding to the newly-created post of global brand manager for Top of the Pops.

The position is understood to be one of the first of its kind at the BBC, and reveals how the corporation is increasingly treating its programmes as multimedia brands.

Golding has been promoted from business development manager for BBC Worldwide Music, part of the BBC’s commercial arm. His job will be to extend the scope of the 34-year-old show and take it into European markets.

Golding comments: “I will be responsible for the show wherever it appears, in whatever form. Music travels well across international markets.”

Expansion plans include the launch of a series of branded compact discs in the first half of this year.

In addition, the Top Of The Pops magazine and television programme will be rolled out in selected European markets (MW January 22).

The first Top of the Pops album will be tested in Germany over Easter, and is to appear in the UK in June. The CD of top 40 hits will be modelled on the successful ‘Now That’s What I call Music’ series. Further CDs will be released every six months.

The magazine and TV show will take longer to appear in Europe because they need to be adapted for local markets.

The project is a joint venture between BBC Productions, which develops the formats, and BBC Worldwide, which markets them.