Radiocentre appoints new head of public affairs

The industry body for commercial radio has promoted Michael Ireland to head of public affairs after four years with the business.

Ireland joined Radiocentre as external affairs manager in 2015, and was promoted to senior policy manager last year. Prior to this, he worked in Westminster for Mike Weatherly MP and focused on tackling online piracy.

In his new role, Ireland will continue to engage with Government, politicians, policy makers and regulators to promote the interests of commercial radio. He will also continue to lead the sector’s work on diversity.

“Commercial radio provides significant public value, so it is vital to ensure that parliamentarians recognise this important contribution,” Ireland said.

“In my new role I’ll continue to make the case for people to see radio differently.”

Ireland reports into Matt Payton, the body’s director of external affairs, who added: “Michael’s new role is not only a reflection of his increased responsibility for parliamentary lobbying and government affairs, but also recognition of his tremendous contribution to Radiocentre and his ever expanding remit since joining four years ago.”