Radio 1 boss Ben Cooper to leave the BBC

Radio 1 boss Ben Cooper has announced he is leaving the BBC after eight years running the station.

In an email to staff he said it was a “childhood dream” to work at the station but it was “time for a new challenge”.

Ben Cooper is also the boss of 1Xtra and Asian Network, and says he’s “proud” of what his teams have achieved together over the years.

It’s not been revealed where he will be heading to next.

He said the role of Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network in “celebrating and championing youth culture” is “so important” for the BBC.

“Whether that is the new music we play or reflecting the issues that concern young people today, I’m very proud of what we have achieved together over the years.”

Ben Cooper thanked his teams for being “creative, ambitious and passionate” and said their work was “greatly appreciated”.

And said he would be continuing in his role until the new year.

During his eight years as head of Radio 1, he has seen some huge changes and brought some big names into the BBC.

He was in charge when Nick Grimshaw began hosting the Radio 1 breakfast show in 2011 and eventually became the second-longest running breakfast show presenter in Radio 1 history.

He brought in new Friday shows for Maya Jama and The Saturdays’ Mollie King – and Scott Mills began hosting the chart show.

In April this year, he also poached former Kiss FM breakfast hosts Ricky, Melvin and Charlie to Radio 1.

The trio took over the 9-11pm show which had previously been presented by Charlie Sloth.

He had been in the spotlight for storming the stage and delivering a sweary, Kanye West-esque rant at an awards show.

On the night, Ben Cooper got up onto the stage shortly after to accept an award on behalf of Radio 1.

“I’d just like to say Charlie Sloth has left the building and is leaving Radio 1 and 1Xtra. Apologies,” he told the audience.

In an email to BBC staff, James Purnell, Director, Radio & Education, said Ben Cooper had kept Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network “fresh and relevant”.

He said that under his leadership Radio 1 had become “more than just a radio station” and was a “hugely impactful youth brand” with more than 15 million weekly YouTube views and 10 million social followers.

James added: “He’s championed new talent, both on and off air, and built lasting relationships with the music industry.

“Ben has also protected the unbeatable place we have in the lives of young people in the UK, ensuring our radio stations remain the go to places for the biggest global music acts.”

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