James is Head of Future Media & Technology for BBC Audio & Music Interactive.
James contributes to the development of pan-BBC non-linear/new media strategy and provides strategic focus for new media technology within BBC Audio & Music. 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 Audio & Music Interactive, the division that 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.