Bauer Media has named former BBC 6 Music head of programmes Ric Blaxill as music and content director of the recently acquired Planet Rock.
Blaxill has now been tasked with handling all programming for the station; his new role will run alongside his other responsibilities as the label entry point for Bauer Media UK for major artist projects and event appearances. He will also continue to lead programming strategy for Bauer’s fellow digital radio station heat radio.
With over 25 years of experience, Blaxill previously worked as executive producer of BBC’s Top of the Pops and devised and produced Top of the Pops 2. He spent two years as A&R director at Independiente Records before joining BBC 6 Music.
“Ric is a passionate programmer with extensive rock credentials who really cares about music and the radio industry. He is a chair of The Ivor Novello songwriting awards, strums a mean bass and has even played for Iron Maiden’s football team. With such great all-round experience, we are confident that he will continue to increase the success and popularity of Planet Rock by providing quality music and the best possible listening experience for rock music fans,” commented Steve Parkinson, managing director at Bauer Radio.
Alongside Blaxill’s appointment Bauer has also announced that Alex Baker has been promoted to head of commercial programming for Planet Rock and Kerrang! Radio with Liz Barnes promoted to the role of programme manager.
Baker has worked with Kerrang! Radio for over seven years as a presenter, producer and, for the past three years, as commercial programming manager for Kerrang! and Q Radio. Barnes currently holds the role of senior producer at Planet Rock; in her new role she will handle the day to day scheduling of the station with a remit to explore new programming ideas.