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Press Releases
Jeff Smith appointed Head of Music at Radio 2
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91Èȱ¬ Radio 2 announced today that Jeff Smith is to become the network's Head of Music.
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Jeff, currently Director of UK and International programming at Napster,
is to take on the role on 26 March 2007.
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Jeff will take over from Colin Martin, who announced his retirement in December
2006.
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Jeff says: "It's tremendously exciting for me to be joining 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2 and
help shape the music policy of the most popular radio station in the UK.
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"Technology is transforming our industry, and I look forward to working with
the music industry and my colleagues at Radio 2 to engage our listeners in the
very best music in innovative new ways."
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Lesley Douglas, Controller, Radio 2 and 91Èȱ¬ 6 Music says: "I'm delighted that
Jeff has decided to re-join the 91Èȱ¬.
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"Colin Martin is a very hard act to follow
but I have no doubt that Jeff's love of music, industry experience and recent
role at Napster puts him a unique position to move Radio 2 forward.
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"It is
crucial that we remain distinct in the market place and I believe that Jeff is
the person to embrace the full breadth of music on the network."
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Leanne Sharman, Napster UK Vice-President and General Manager, says: "For the
91Èȱ¬ to recruit from Napster for such a pivotal role in UK radio indicates how
important digital has become in the development of the music industry.
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"Jeff has
been a tremendous asset to us since we launched Napster three years ago
building a team and putting processes in place.
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"We wish him well in the next
stage of his career."
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Jeff joined Napster in 2004 where he was responsible for sourcing all content
and commissioning new programming initiatives and streamcasts.
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He has accumulated more than 18 years programming experience in the UK radio
industry including 91Èȱ¬ Radio 1, 91Èȱ¬ World Service and Capital Radio (London).
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He played a major role in the revitalisation of Radio 1 as Head of Music
Policy from 1997 to 2000.
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His achievements at the 91Èȱ¬ included founding the
influential Evening Session programme and bringing current Radio 1 breakfast
host Chris Moyles, Jo Whiley, Trevor Nelson, Stuart Maconie and Steve
Lamacq to the 91Èȱ¬.
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In the mid-Nineties, Jeff worked in independent production at
Wise Buddah as Director of Programmes. Ìý
Radio 2 Publicity
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