Bob Shennan

Bob Shennan
Born (1962-03-18) 18 March 1962
Wirral, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Nationality British
Occupation Radio executive
Known for Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live (2000-2008), BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra (2002-2008) and BBC Asian Network (2004-2008)
Controller of BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music (2009-)

Robert Duncan James Shennan (born 18 March 1962, Wirral, Cheshire, better known as Bob Shennan) is a British radio executive who was appointed as Controller of BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music in January 2009.[1] In March 2014 he was appointed to the new BBC post of Director of Music, to coordinate the music output across the BBC.[2]

Early life

He was educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

Career

Shennan has been a senior executive in radio and television for a number of years. He started as a journalist at Hereward Radio in Peterborough from 1984-7. He joined BBC Sport in 1987 as a trainee radio sport producer and was part of the team that founded BBC Radio Five Live.[3] After a spell as Head of BBC Sport where he had overall responsibility for sports coverage on BBC radio and television, he was appointed head of BBC Radio 5 Live in 2000.[4] As the network's controller he oversaw the launch of BBC Radio Five Live Sports Extra in 2002, and also took over as controller of the BBC Asian Network in 2004.

Channel 4

In December 2007 it was announced that Shennan would be leaving the BBC to take up a position as Director of Radio at Channel Four.[5] He joined the broadcaster in April 2008 as it made plans to diversify into radio with the launch of several stations under the banner of Channel Four Radio.[4][5] However, in October 2008 Channel Four shelved its radio project in order to make a reported £100million in savings.[6]

Radio 2

Shennan took over in February 2009 from Lesley Douglas, who resigned from her position following The Russell Brand Show prank telephone calls row.[6] He is regarded as a "safe pair of hands" for the network following the controversy.[6]

Preceded by
Lesley Douglas		 Controller, BBC Radio 2
2009–present 		Incumbent

He is also a Fellow of The Radio Academy.[4][7]

References

  1. ↑ "Shennan becomes head of Radio 2". BBC Online. 27 January 2009. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
  2. ↑ "Bob Shennan named BBC music boss". RadioWeek. 25 March 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
  3. ↑ "New boss for 5Live". BBC Online. 25 April 2000. Retrieved 11 February 2009.
  4. 1 2 3 "Bob Shennan appointed Controller BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music". BBC Online. 27 January 2009. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
  5. 1 2 "BBC's 5 Live boss quits for rival". BBC Online. 3 December 2007. Retrieved 11 February 2009.
  6. 1 2 3 Holmwood, Leigh (27 January 2009). "Bob Shennan named Radio 2 controller". London: Guardian Media. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
  7. ↑ The Radio Academy "Fellows"
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