New programmers appointed for Hits Radio Network

Bauer is moving James Brownlow to Manchester to oversee programming on the Hits Radio Network in the North West, with David Salt replacing James in the West Midlands.

The changes mean that Chris Rick will leave Bauer at the end of the month after 9 years with Key 103, Rock FM and Radio City.

As Regional Content Director for the North West, James will take responsibility for Rock, City and Country Hits Radio. David will be Regional Content Director, West Midlands – managing content and development of the Free Radio and Greatest Hits Radio in the region.

Gary Stein, Group Programme Manager for Hits Radio Network said “We’re delighted to appoint James and David in their new roles within the network. Both highly talented and hard-working individuals, their passion for the industry radiates through everything they do, and we look forward to seeing them flourish in their new roles.

“While we send our congratulations to the pair, we are very sad to see Chris Rick depart as Regional Content Director for the North West of England. Having worked with Chris since he was my Deputy PD in Manchester, he has been an incredibly valuable member of the team. We wish him all the very best for the future and send our thanks and good wishes.”

James Brownlow is no stranger to the North West, having previously worked as station producer at Century 105.4, Programme Controller at Galaxy 102 and XFM Manchester, and Content Director at Juice in Liverpool. He’s also a former Programme Director at 95.8 Capital FM in London.

David Salt – aka Salty – has been with the same station since joining BRMB as a producer in 2006 when it was part of GCap. He progressed to be Deputy PD of Free Radio under owners Orion and more recently has been Content Director for Free since its purchase by Bauer in 2016.