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Ex-BBC Asian Network programme head turns producer

Ex BBC Asian Network boss gets producer duties
Ex BBC Asian Network boss gets producer duties

Former BBC Asian Network Head of Programmes, Husain Husaini has teamed up with Matthew Bannister, broadcaster and former senior BBC executive to create an independent production company, Wire Free Productions, which has been appointed to produce the BBC’s new all-local evening show from January.

The show will be hosted by Mark Forrest, who has previously presented ��Drive�۪ (2002-2010) then ��Breakfast�۪ (2010-2012) on Classic FM. In addition, he has worked on Virgin Radio, Heart London, BBC 5 live and, most recently, as host of BBC Radio York�۪s Breakfast Show, as well as freelance stints on national commercial station Smooth Radio and London�۪s Magic 105.4.

At the time of announcing the launch of Wire Free, Bannister said, “I can’t think of a better way to launch our new journalistic production company, Wire Free Productions, than being given the opportunity to make this programme for all the BBC’s Local Radio stations.

“Husain Husaini and I both started our careers in local radio. We know it is a much loved service for millions of listeners – and we’re really looking forward to creating a new and very special show for them. The programme will be an engaging and lively companion to their evening – bringing the very best of each day’s output on BBC local stations to a much wider audience and making connections between communities in different parts of the country.”

The show will be syndicated across all 39 of its local radio stations in England and the Channel Islands from Monday 7th January 2013, on weekdays between 19:00 – 22:00.

Husain Husaini was replaced with Mark Strippel last month at the BBC Asian Network as Head of Programmes.