BBC exec Sam Bailey tagged to run Audio Content Fund

The BBC’s Sam Bailey has been appointed as the managing director for the new Audio Content Fund. This program, funded by the UK government, will award grants for the production of public service content for commercial radio. It will award independent production companies up to £3 million for the projects, with the inaugural funding round slated for April 2019.

Bailey is currently a commissioning executive for BBC Radio 1 and has spent 14 years with the UK broadcaster. He will begin the new role with the Audio Content Fund on April 1.

“I’m thrilled to be appointed as Managing Director of the Audio Content Fund,” Bailey said. “The UK indie sector is bursting at the seams with talent and incredible ideas – and the opportunities within commercial radio and elsewhere seem boundless. I can’t wait to get started.”

“The Audio Content Fund is a great initiative with the potential to broaden the range of public service content on commercial radio,” added Siobhan Kenny, a director with the Fund. “Sam’s appointment is a crucial step in making this happen. We are delighted to have him on board.”