The Stage

Damazer takes control of Radio 4 and BBC7

Published Friday 24 September 2004 at 15:50 by Joanna Taylor

Mark Damazer, the BBC’s deputy director of news, has been announced as the new controller of Radio 4 and digital station BBC7.

The 49-year-old executive is believed to have triumphed over strong competition from the Corporation’s head of television news Roger Mosey and head of current affairs Peter Horrocks to win the role.

He succeeds Helen Boaden, who was appointed as the BBC’s first female director of news in the summer. Damazer was one of former director-general Greg Dyke’s key allies during the Hutton inquiry, being involved in devising the Corporation’s defence against the government.

Damazer said: “Being controller of Radio 4 is the best job in broadcasting and I am privileged to be given the opportunity of working with so many talented and creative people.

“Radio 4 is in terrific shape and my job is to cherish, sustain it and make sure it remains the home for intelligence, flair and wit. BBC7 has already made a name for itself and I hope to see it become a must for those who value the BBC’s storehouse of drama and comedy.”

Damazer became deputy director of BBC news in 2001. He was previously the head of political programmes where he was in charge of shows such as Yesterday in Parliament and The Westminster Hour.

BBC director of radio and music Jenny Abramsky commented: “Mark is a passionate listener and supporter of Radio 4. When you talk to him you realise it is in his blood. I’m sure he will take Radio 4 and BBC 7 to new heights.”