Alan Davey to step down as controller of BBC Radio 3

Alan Davey has confirmed he will be stepping down from his role as controller of BBC Radio 3, BBC Proms, and BBC Orchestras and Choirs in March 2023. Davey has held the role of controller for over eight years.

According to a statement released this afternoon (12 September) by the Radio 3 team, Davey has chosen to leave the role ‘to concentrate on his work supporting arts and music organisations and to pursue his academic interests.’ His replacement will be appointed ‘in due course.’

BBC chief content officer, Charlotte Moore, commented: ‘Under his watch over the past eight years, Radio 3’s editorial ambition has flourished and Alan has skilfully, and with passion, led our classical activities in an ever-changing world - constantly exploring new opportunities to reach the widest possible audience for our classical music output.’

Taking the role of controller in January 2015, Davey has increased Radio 3’s audience numbers to over 2 million weekly listeners through innovative programming including themed seasons and festivals. Under Davey’s leadership, Radio 3 has also embraced new music through series like The New Music Show as well as through commissions for both the radio station and the Proms.

For young listeners, Davey has commissioned playlists such as Classical Focus and Mindful Mix, and for young players, he has fostered emerging talent through Radio 3’s New Generation Artists Scheme which saw a record number of participants in 2021 in response to the impact of the pandemic on the classical music industry.

Davey said: ‘Since Radio 3’s first day of broadcasting, it has known that the key to securing the future of music is in finding new talent and offering ways in to new audiences, and it’s the quality and expertise involved that makes the station so unique.’

Davey also led the BBC's Orchestras and Choirs, as well as the BBC Proms which this year premiered 24 new works and saw events taking place across the UK in Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Truro with the return of international orchestras following the lifting of Covid lockdowns.

Davey’s previous roles also include chief executive officer at Arts Council England and head of arts and director of arts and culture at the DCMS. His additional accolades include a CBE for his services to the Arts as well as honorary doctorates from the Universities of Birmingham and Teesside.

Davey said: ‘Choosing when to move on is always tricky, but now is the time for me to hand over the role to someone else. They will inherit, to borrow a phrase, on a bad day the best job in Britain, and on a good day the best job in the world.’