Andria Vidler

Gwyneth Williams

23/8/11

Two of the UK’s most respected radio and music industry leaders have agreed to appear at this year’s Radio Festival.

Gwyneth Williams, Controller of BBC Radio 4 and Radio 7, will be outlining her vision for the channels, while Andria Vidler, Managing Director of EMI, will be offering her view on how well the relationship really works between radio stations and record labels.

Gwyneth succeeded Mark Damazer as Controller of BBC Radio 4 in 2010, having previously been Director of BBC World Service English, responsible for all the BBC’s international radio programmes in English and for the 13 streams which deliver that output to 40 million listeners around the globe. Prior to that, she had been Head of Radio Current Affairs – overseeing programmes including File On 4, From Our Own Correspondent, Money Box and In Business – and Editor of the BBC Reith Lectures. She also oversaw the launch of current affairs programmes on BBC Radio 5 Live.

EMI Music is home to some of today’s most successful recording artists, songwriters and music catalogues including Katy Perry, Kate Bush, Coldplay, Kylie, The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Andria was appointed to her present position in the summer of 2009 and is responsible for launching cutting-edge new artists such as Tinie Tempah, Professor Green, Eliza Doolittle and Swedish House Mafia. Andria also has extensive knowledge and experience of the radio industry – her previous roles include MD of Magic 105.4, MD for Capital 95.8 and the Capital FM Network and various roles at the BBC including Marketing Manager for the launch of BBC Radio 5 Live.

Andria said: ‘I love radio, it plays a key part in my life. It plays a very important part for EMI and despite an ever changing media landscape radio has remained a vital ingredient within the music entertainment industry over the years. However, given the market dynamics and an increasing number of digital ways to reach the consumer, is that relationship destined to change?’

The three day Radio Festival, which has attracted a range of talent and speakers from around the world, is being held at The Lowry, Salford’s prestigious arts and entertainment centre between 31st October and 2nd November.

John Myers, Chief Executive of The Radio Academy, said: “It is wonderful that two people at the top of their game have agreed to speak at this year’s Radio Festival. Both Gwyneth and Andria are well-known and respected within media and I am sure they will provide some of the key talking points of the Festival.

“I am also excited to announce that the full Festival programme is due to be released within the next two weeks.”

ENDS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Tickets for the Radio Festival, being held between 31st October and 2nd November, can be bought here.

Notes to Editors:

Journalists can apply for free accreditation to the Radio Festival 2011. Please contact Melanie Smith

The Radio Academy is a registered charity dedicated to the encouragement, recognition and promotion of excellence in UK radio broadcasting and audio production.

Through an extensive program of conferences, debates, masterclasses and other networking events, The Radio Academy offers opportunities for everyone from the national networks to individual podcasters to discuss the broadcasting, production, marketing and promotion of radio and audio. The Radio Academy is a member organisation which operates under the direction of a board of Trustees.