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Media
Andy Ashton returns to Xfm
By CMU Editorial | Published on Wednesday 29 September 2010
Xfm is going back in time, people. Andy Ashton, Programme Director there between 2003 and 2006, is returning to the very same role at the Global Radio-owned alternative rock station. Boy, has that place changed since he was last in charge.
The PD role at Xfm became vacant last month when Paul Jackson announced he was stepping down from the top programming job at sister station Capital FM. Jackson also oversaw Xfm in that role.
Since leaving Xfm in 2006 Ashton has worked for Irish radio firm Communicorp on various projects and stations, most recently Dublin’s Spin 103.8. Meanwhile his old station back in London (and Manchester) has seriously downsized its workforce, both on air and behind the scenes. It has also gained and lost Scottish and Welsh outputs.
Confirming Ashton would return to X, Global’s Director Of Broadcasting Richard Park told reporters: “Andy’s knowledge and experience in music and broadcasting is widely respected. His appointment will bring fresh dimensions to the Xfm team, driving what is already a nationally-recognised and iconic radio brand to new heights”.
Ashton himself said: “I’m delighted to be joining Global Radio for the challenge ahead, building on one of the world’s great music brands in London, Manchester, across the UK on digital and around the world online”.
The rejig at Xfm also sees a promotion for the station’s much loved Head Of Music Mike Walsh, who will become Deputy Programme Controller. I can’t help thinking that an Ashton/Walsh led X could be something rather special providing Global don’t interfere or cut resources even further.
I wonder how quickly they can axe Richard Skinner from their DJ line-up? The morning host – Jackson’s big hire while in charge of the station – is at the very least an anomaly for the youth-orientated station, and has long been a cause of embarrassment for everyone else who works there.
