Gwyneth Williams is to be the new Controller of BBC Radio 4 and Radio 7.

Gwyneth Williams at Radio 4: a safe pair of hands on a delicate treasure
The BBC has chosen the ultimate insider for one of radio's plum jobs – suggesting evolution is more likely than revolution.
Having cast its net far and wide in the hunt for a new controller of Radio 4, the BBC ended up giving the job to the ultimate insider.

Gwyneth Williams, who joined the BBC in 1976, is described by colleagues as "well regarded" and a "safe pair of hands". Dread phrase I know, but it is likely to be evolution rather than revolution at the station she takes charge of in the autumn.

Her most pressing issue is likely to be the succession process on the station's biggest show, Today. The BBC political editor, Nick Robinson, has been tipped for a permanent presenting role on the programme, but who will he replace – John Humprhys? James Naughtie? – and when?

As the only female controller of a BBC national radio station, perhaps Williams will look to have another woman on the programme, its gender balance having been thrust firmly into the spotlight by its editor, Ceri Thomas. Changing Today presenters can be a tricky process, as her predecessor Mark Damazer found out.

She might also want to put a stop the station's embarrassing string of on-air mistakes.

That said, Williams inherits a station in largely good health. Damazer updated Radio 4's sound by hiring the likes of Kirsty Young, Evan Davis and Jane Garvey. He provoked some listeners' ire, however, with A History of the World in 100 Objects, which displaced Book of the Week, and there was dismay at the axing of the Friday Play.

If there is a problem with Radio 4 it is that the station is a bit one-paced; the tone tends not to change programme to programme, day to day, week to week. It could do with a bit of a kick up the schedule every now and again, as Damazer tried to do with the The Media Show (hosted by MediaGuardian columnist Steve Hewlett) which might not sound out of place on Radio 5 Live.

Indeed, Damazer borrowed liberally from the rolling news and sport station – literally in the case of Garvey and another former 5 Live voice, Julian Worricker – prompted, perhaps, by the prospect of Channel 4 Radio joining the fray. As it turned out, Channel 4 Radio never happened.

Digital is Williams' other big challenge, and the rebranding of the digital station BBC7 as Radio 4 Extra. It will be interesting to see how this works in practice: expect to see lots of cross promotion and "added value" extra content from Radio 4 staples ending up on the digital station.

The really brave move would be to premiere Radio 4 shows such as The Archers on Radio 4 Extra. One step at a time, though. Radio 4 listeners aren't keen on change.

It is understood that Williams will earn a basic salary of £180,000. The Radio 5 Live controller, Adrian Van Klaveren is on £185,000, and Damazer on £210,000.

All part of the new era of austerity at the BBC, I am told, and Damazer's pay packet may have been inflated by the fact he worked in TV news before he went to Radio 4. But it's not the first time that a woman has earned less than a man in the same job.

Source:-

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2010/jul/15/gwyneth-williams-radio-...

BBC Press Office Statement:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2010/07_july/15/radio4.sh...


Tim Davie Statement:-


Over the past two months I've been searching for a new Controller for Radio 4 and Radio 7. This is no simple task; Radio 4 is a unique cultural institution with a passionate audience and incredibly talented staff. Leading it is a huge honour. As I wrote here at the start of the process, Mark Damazer - Radio 4's current Controller - has managed to sustain buoyant audiences without compromising the quality of programmes, so I am well aware of the importance of finding the right person to follow in the exceptional Mr Damazer's footsteps.

I saw some outstanding candidates during the recruitment process; brilliant leaders from a broad range of backgrounds, all with hugely impressive experience. This week we entered the final stage of the lengthy process and today we announced on Radio 4 that the successful candidate is Gwyneth Williams, until recently Director of BBC World Service English.

Gwyneth is an editorial leader of the highest calibre and a passionate supporter of Radio 4. She brings vast broadcasting experience, tremendous intelligence and a fresh perspective to the role. I was impressed by her creativity, enthusiasm and ideas for building the network's intellectual quality while maintaining its relevance.

This is one of the biggest jobs in broadcasting and I believe I have found the right person to succeed Mark Damazer. I look forward to working with her in building on Mark's success and leading Radio 4 to even greater things over coming years.

Tim Davie is Director of BBC Audio & Music