BBC Asian Network managerial changes confirmed

The BBC Asian Network has confirmed to BizAsia that current programming head Husain Husaini will be leaving his post this year as part of budget cuts at the station.

Husaini is said to have taken voluntary redundancy, with Mark Strippel taking on the role of Acting Head of Programmes with immediate effect. Strippel has been the station’s Head of Music since 2006.

Other full-time members of the BBC Asian Network have been given a similar redundancy payout deal. BizAsia has learned that some staff may re-apply for positions at the station in freelance roles.

Bob Shennan, Controller, BBC Asian Network said, “Husain Husaini has chosen to take voluntary redundancy and will leave the BBC Asian Network later this year. Mark Strippel has taken on the role of Acting Head of Programmes with immediate effect. I would like to thank Husain for his brilliant contribution to the development of the Asian Network. We will look to appoint a new permanent head as soon as possible.”

The BBC Asian Network’s newsroom has already been shrunk with 15 news staff left or on the verge of leaving. As reported on BizAsia previously, news resources will move from Leicester to London with less news bulletins.

The BBC confirmed late last year that none of its radio or TV services will face closure but will lead to 2,000 jobs losses by 2016, as a part of the ��Delivering Quality First�۪ (DQF) strategy.