Biography

James Cridland
Executive Product Manager, A/V Products
BBC Future Media & Technology, Audio & Music and Mobile

James contributes to the development of pan-BBC non-linear and new media strategy within BBC Audio & Music. He is currently working on the BBC iPlayer for Radio, with a remit of improving both the audio experience and technical workflow. Additionally, he is helping define the product and technology behind the Radio Partnerships work with the commercial radio industry. He is also a Trustee of the pan-industry body The Radio Academy, and is Chairman of its Radio At The Edge conference.

James has worked in radio since 1989 as a copywriter, presenter, and internet advisor. After working at the Metro Radio Group and Emap Radio, he left to concentrate on his own dot-com company, Media UK, for a while before joining Virgin Radio in 2001, where he was Digital Media Director. In 2007 he joined BBC Future Media & Technology's Audio & Music and Mobile team, which looks after new media activities across BBC national radio networks, and music output across the BBC.

James is an award-winning copywriter and radio presenter. In 2005, Virgin Radio's website scooped both judged and people's choice awards in the Webby Awards radio category. In September 2006, under James's direction the station redesigned its website to boast an innovative music-based social-networking system, which delivered record traffic levels and improved audience retention.

James lives in North London with a big black cat, and is a committed member of the Campaign for Real Ale. He blogs about the future of radio, and beer, on his own website at james.cridland.net.

Updated 15 June 2009