BBC's Director Of Radio To Retire

Director of Radio at the BBC Helen Boaden has announced she is to retire.
She will leave in March after 34 years of service, in which time she has had a range of roles including Director of News and Controller of Radio 4.

She said: "I love the BBC and it has been the privilege of my life to serve our audiences for 34 years. But now is the right time to leave. With a new Charter to implement, Tony Hall needs a top team committed to the long haul. By contrast, I am keen to embrace a different life and put my energy, skills and experience into other things I care about. I am delighted to have been invited to take up a Harvard Fellowship in the Spring.

"I am very fortunate to have done some wonderfully challenging and fascinating jobs throughout my long career. The last few years running BBC Radio, with all its creativity, innovation and sheer fun, have been especially productive and happy. I am very proud that my final job at the BBC has been Director of the Radio division.

"I may be leaving but I shall always root for the BBC and its amazing teams who provide the very best education, information and entertainment, as well as useful and inventive technology. The BBC is extraordinary. We are blessed to have it as a unique part of our national life and we should never take it for granted."

Director-General Tony Hall said: "Helen speaks for public service broadcasting so eloquently and persuasively. We owe her an enormous debt of gratitude. She's been a great champion for our audiences. Whether at the microphone, backstage or in the boardroom, she has an unerring instinct for what is right for them."

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