Producer Richard Morris takes key role in BBC Studios

BBC comedy producer Richard Morris has been promoted to creative director of audio comedy.

He takes his role in the corporation’s programme-making wing, BBC Studios, which is the largest supplier of comedy shows to Radio 4.

The department’s slate includes flagships such as The Now Show, The News Quiz and Dead Ringers, and output from comics such as Sandi Toksvig, Bridget Christie, Lenny Henry, Sindhu Vee,  and  Olga Koch.

Morris, a former stand-up, said: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead such an incredible team. BBC Studios Audio is not only the home of so many prestigious and much-loved comedy titles but we also have an exciting slate of new shows in development with the best new comedians in the land and I can’t wait for people to hear them.’

He takes over from Julia McKenzie who was recently appointed commissioning editor for comedy and entertainment on Radio 4.

As a producer Morris has worked on stand-up vehicles, factual entertainment shows and topical programmes, plus podcasts including the Inside No.9 companion Inside Inside Number 9. His new role also involves overseeing the comedy contract writers scheme which gives up-and-coming writers the chance to work across a raft of programmes

Announcing the appointment Josh Cole, head of comedy at BBC Studios Productions said: ‘Richard is a first-rate comedy producer with an excellent track record and fantastic experience of producing some of the country’s most recognisable and best-loved audio comedy.

‘He was a natural choice for this role and I can’t wait to hear the brilliant work the team produce under his leadership.’

Published: 9 Jun 2022