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Ben Cooper has been named as Deputy Controller for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 1 and ´óÏó´«Ã½ 1Xtra.

The announcement follows Andy Parfitt's appointment as Controller, Popular Music, in addition to his existing portfolio of Radio 1, 1Xtra, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Switch and the Asian Network.  

Currently Head of Programmes at Radio 1, Ben formally takes up his new position in April.

In this new role Ben will take the lead role in implementing the strategies for both Radio 1 and 1Xtra, overseeing both networks mainstream and specialist programmes.

Announcing the appointment, Andy Parfitt said: "Ben is a fantastic executive and has led the Radio 1 team very effectively over the past few years – this is an opportunity for him to broaden his experience and to bring the Radio 1 and 1Xtra operations closer together."

Ben Cooper said: "I'm delighted to work across both Radio 1 and 1Xtra. I'll be busy, but I love music radio, so it will be very rewarding. I especially want to build on the success of 1Xtra and look at strengthening their position on digital platforms, as well as continuing my challenge at Radio 1 of attracting young audiences to the ´óÏó´«Ã½ in new creative ways."

As Head of Programmes, Radio 1, Ben has successfully directed a revamp of the station's schedule – dedicating Friday night to dance music and Saturday night to black music; hiring Vernon Kay; Greg James; Nick Grimshaw; making Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates the hosts of The Chart Show; and extending The Chris Moyles Show by half an hour.

Radio 1 Publicity