GMG Radio boosts senior programming team
GMG Radio has appointed its first deputy programme director and a new Real Radio brand programme director.
James Rea, who joined GMG Radio to launch a news operation in 2001, moves from editorial director to take the new deputy programme director post.
He will retain responsibility for the group's news output and special broadcasts but he will mbe more involved in the strategic development of on-air content for Smooth, Real and Rock Radio.
Rea's duties will include "developing new partnerships in the digital arena" to extend the group's content to new audiences.
Current programme operations director Mark Matthews becomes the Real Radio brand programme director, responsible for making sure the five regional Real stations have a consistent on-air sound.
Matthews joined the group in 2007 as head of presentation after moving from The Local Radio Company.
Group programme director John Simons said: "James and Mark have played a key role in the development and direction of our on-air brands in recent years and their new roles enhance senior programming support across the business and enable us to look at new opportunities to extend our content beyond our on-air services, at a time when our content is nominated for, and winning, more awards than ever before.”