Caroline Raphael leaves after 31 years

Radio 4's long-serving comedy commissioner Caroline Raphael is to stand down.

She has spent more than three decades in BBC radio, and is often the first to bring new comedians to a wider audience.

In her role she has introduced Little Britain, The League Of Gentlemen, Down The Line, That Mitchell And Webb Sound, Dead Ringers, Count Arthur Strong’s Radio Show, as well as Miranda Hart and Sarah Millican to the listening public. And last month her commission Bridget Christie Minds The Gap received the first Rose D’Or for Radio Entertainment.

Her official titles are Commissioning Editor Comedy and Fiction, BBC Radio 4 and Commissioning Editor, BBC Radio 4 Extra, and her non-comedy duties include commissioning for Book At Bedtime. She will be leaving the BBC early next spring, following a restructuring across BBC radio as part of a cost-cutting drive.

Raphael joined the BBC in 1984 from Bristol Old Vic Theatre where she had worked as a director. She started in the radio drama team as a script editor, became a producer and then editor working on the launch of Radio 5. She then moved on to become the first female head of drama for BBC Radio in 1994.

In 1997, she moved over to Radio 4, where she has championed the station's presence at festivals including Glastonbury, Latitude, and Edinburgh.

She said: 'When I joined the BBC on a temporary ten-week contract, I had no idea I'd stay for over 31 years. I have been so privileged to have worked with such fascinating, creative, and always inspiring managers, producers, writers, and comedy talent.

'After finally making up my mind about leaving Radio 4 next spring, I’m now excited about taking all that I have learnt in this unique organisation, and exploring the opportunities I can see outside the corporation.'

Radio 4 controller Gwyneth Williams said: 'Caroline has made a huge contribution to BBC Radio over the years and I’ve been lucky to work with her. She has commissioned thousands of programmes for the enjoyment of Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra listeners, and personally I’ve admired her ability to find and develop new talent and her drive to showcase more women in comedy.

'Her expertise and experience in comedy and entertainment are unparalleled and I would like to thank Caroline for her commitment and professional dedication to Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.'

The recruitment for a new commissioning editor for comedy and entertainment will commence shortly as a three-day-a-week post. Plans are currently being developed for how the other programme areas currently overseen by this post will be covered.

Published: 20 Oct 2014