Xfm Lines Up Management For Manchester Launch
Xfm has announced the management structure for its newly-won FM licence in Manchester, promoting Andy Ashton to the newly-created role of programme director for the Xfm Network to oversee the station’s launch.
As well as continuing his role as programme controller for Xfm in London, Ashton will assume responsibility for developing output for Xfm Manchester, which the GCap-owned station hopes will be on air within the next six months.
Ashton has been responsible for a number of popular signings to Xfm in London, including attracting Lauren Laverne to the Drive Time show, and the launch of Xfm’s popular Weekender show hosted by Adam Longworth. Ashton was also responsible for the signing of Sony Gold award winning DJ, Lucio, to host the weekend breakfast show from 9 July.
Commenting on his new role, Ashton said: “I am completely honoured to be overseeing Xfm programs across London, Manchester and beyond. We are thrilled at the prospect of launching a new dedicated service for Manchester and obviously in London it’s an exciting time as we prepare to reinvent our breakfast show. But that is only the start. We have many more plans in the pipeline for growing Xfm as a national brand and furthering our ambition to position ourselves as the number one station for credible new music in the UK. It’s an incredibly exciting time for me personally and Xfm as a whole.”
The new FM licence for Manchester was won following a lengthy bidding process between several major radio players, including Emap-owned rival to Xfm, Kerrang! (see Xfm Scoops Close Fought Manchester FM Licence).
As a result of the win, Graham Hodge, a key player in putting Xfm’s Manchester bid together, has been handed the role of launch director, working closely with the station’s head of marketing, Charlotte Soussan, who has been given the extended role of developing a marketing and communications plan for the Manchester launch.
Graham Bryce, managing director of the Xfm Network will head the Manchester launch. He said: “I am delighted to have such a high calibre team at our disposal within the brand to launch Xfm Manchester. We are all very excited at the prospect at bringing Xfm to the most vibrant city in the UK for music.”
Last month saw Virgin Radio signed Xfm’s high-profile breakfast host, Christian O’Connell, to present its new morning show, taking over from Pete and Geoff who will leave their posts, but stay with the station, at the end of the year (see Virgin Signs O’Connell As New Breakfast Host).
Xfm: 0871 222 1049 www.xfm.co.uk