Radio X head of music Mike Walsh is leaving after 18 years at the network.
Popular and highly-respected Walsh has been a key figure at Radio X and its predecessor Xfm throughout the 21st century. He helped the alternative station forge its identity amongst the mainstream Capital/Global empire and helped steady the ship after an initial storm over its 2015 rebrand as ‘male-focused’ Radio X.
Walsh has long ensured the station punched above its weight as a tastemaker, with X playlist support a significant factor in the recent success of Gerry Cinnamon, Jade Bird and countless other artists over the years. He is also a Mercury Prize judge.
In an email to colleagues and industry contacts, Walsh said: “I wanted to let you know as soon as I could that I will be leaving Radio X and Global in a couple of weeks - my last day will be Friday Sept 20.
"It has been a pleasure and a privilege working with some of the best people I know, but after 18 years it is definitely time for a break and something new.
"XFM and Radio X have been the most amount of fun and I am so proud to say that I’ll be leaving it in great shape with some record numbers and an excellent team in place.
"Thank you to all the artists, industry and friends for always being an inspiration, and see you soon for the next chapter – and probably a leaving do or two…”
A Global spokesperson said: “After 18 years as head of music and deputy at Radio X, and before that Xfm, Mike Walsh will be leaving Global later this month. Mike has been a core part of Radio X, and before that Xfm, and he leaves us by mutual agreement. We’d like to thank him for his amazing work over his time at Global and wish him the very best for the future.”
Radio X has grown steadily in popularity since its rebrand. In Q2, it posted a weekly reach figure of 1.621 million, according to RAJAR, down slightly year-on-year although up on Q1. Walsh’s replacement has yet to be announced.
* To read Mike Walsh’s 2016 Music Week Big Interview, click here. To subscribe to Music Week and never miss a vital music biz story, click here.
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