Aled Haydn Jones has been promoted to lead one of the BBC’s flagship music-based stations, Radio 1. Haydn Jones was most recently head of programmes at the station, which draws roughly 10 million listeners, and he was behind this year’s pandemic-prompted Big Weekend UK 2020, which prompted 50-plus new live sets via artists from their homes.
Before leading programs, Haydn Jones was a presenter on the network, as well as a producer and editor.
“Aled has some exciting and ambitious new directions for Radio 1, and we are looking forward to a fresh approach for the station,” commented Lorna Clarke, BBC Controller Popular Music. “As the number one network for young audiences across the country, we want to take some risks and really push ourselves to do more across all platforms.”
Haydn Jones’ promotion follows the appointment of Helen Thomas as head of Radio 2, BBC Radio other flagship music station. Three other head of station roles (for Radio1Xtra, 6 Music and BBC Asian Network) have yet to be filled.
“I’m so proud to be taking the helm of the best youth music station anywhere in the world,” Haydn Jones said. “Radio 1 is all about the best new music, the most amazing DJs, and entertaining our young audience, and we have dedicated teams working hard to deliver exactly that. We know Radio 1 will never stand still, and we’re going to listen to our audience and give them what they want, how they want it.”
