Media

Mary Anne Hobbs explains Radio 1 departure

By | Published on Wednesday 27 April 2011

Mary Anne Hobbs

Writing a guest blog for Billboard, Mary Anne Hobbs has spoken about her decision to leave Radio 1 earlier this year, and her new appointment at Xfm.

She wrote: “The truth is, I needed to take a risk … BBC Radio 1 gave me fourteen years of freedom as a broadcaster, for which I will always thankful … But in 2010, I felt the time was right to attempt some real progression in radio. I wanted to break out of my 2am – 4am BBC slot, which in truth, was beginning to feel like a dungeon, at best testing and at worst prohibitive for even the most committed listener. I could not betray my instincts”.

She continued: “Traditionally, artists beloved of ‘specialist’ programmes like my own, are only able to gain primetime plays or support from ‘bigger’ DJs, once they are commercially successful and already proven. I wanted to try to break this mould and achieve something much more profound. I longed for a chance to elevate my entire radio platform, for every artist, on the basis of their creative and cultural significance. This was my mission”.

Despite the popularity of her show via the iPlayer and other sources, it became clear that the Beeb was not the place to carry out this mission. She explained: “The BBC did not wish to make a schedule change (a decision that I fully respect). But Xfm had a different kind of vision and true belief in me. They have given me a three hour primetime Saturday night platform, and it’s such a VICTORY for everyone in my world”.

As previously reported, Hobbs will return to the Xfm airwaves on 9 Jul.



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