BBC Radio 3 announces new controller

BBC Radio 3 has today announced that Sam Jackson will be the next controller of the platform. Jackson will succeed Alan Davey who will step down in March after eight years in the role.

As controller Jackson will be responsible for the running of Radio 3, which serves a weekly audience of 1.7 million people, as well as overseeing the delivery of the annual BBC Proms, which will return to London’s Royal Albert Hall this summer.

Talking about his intentions for his new role, Jackson said: ‘BBC Radio 3 is unlike any other station: a network delivering ambitious, unique content, with live classical music at its core. This ambition, quality and diversity must stay at the heart of everything Radio 3 and the BBC Proms deliver.’

Jackson started out as a runner for the BBC Proms before gaining experience working with Classic FM, progressing from an assistant producer role to head of music. Having stayed with Classic FM until 2020, eventually running three national radio brands: Classic FM, Smooth and Gold, Jackson moved on to become executive vice president of Universal Music Group’s Global Classics and Jazz division where he will stay until taking up his new position with the BBC in April.

As well as experience as a member of The Music Commission inquiry into supporting and sustaining inclusive musical progression, Jackson is a board member of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance and a trustee of Help Musicians and the Young Classical Artists Trust. He has also written and co-written a number of books on classical music, including a handbook of classical recordings.

In his new position Jackson will serve audiences of both BBC Radio 3 and the Proms, working alongside David Pickard, director of BBC Proms, and Simon Webb, the BBC’s recently-appointed inaugural head of orchestras and choirs. Jackson will report into Lorna Clarke, who became the BBC’s director of music following a leadership restructure in May last year.

Clarke said: ‘Sam’s track record in broadcasting, love of classical music and inspirational leadership will be crucial to the BBC’s ongoing commitment to bring great music to everyone.’