BBC Radio Asian Network has announced Ahmed Hussain as the new Head of the station. This position is one of five new Head of Station roles responsible for the BBC’s pop music networks.
Currently, there are 543,000 weekly listeners on-air, and 1.6 million followers across social media and YouTube channels of the Asian network. Lorna Clarke (Controller of BBC Popular Music) said: “Ahmed has an experienced understanding of the culture, music and news, that is key to the station’s success, and we want to see what else is possible for the network”. Having previously worked in production across Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network, Hussain was most recently the Head of Prison Radio, where he helped transform the service. His inspirational career began in pirate and community radio stations in East London, where he championed opportunities for young, diverse talent to break into the industry. He continues to support and mentor many of them.
Speaking about his new role that begins on August 1st this year, Hussain said: “I’m really excited at this opportunity to ensure that with a clear vision – our young audiences know what to expect from us. We have amazing people that work here and we will all work hard to ensure that Asian Network thrives in all that it does within the Pop Music portfolio. This is the home for British Asians and beyond to come and be championed and also celebrate the culture that we are all about”.
