Bauer Media Audio UK has today announced the appointment of Rachel Mallender as its new Content Director for Magic Radio, while Jazz FM Content Director Nick Pitts has been promoted to also oversee content for Scala Radio.

In joining the ARIA award-winning Magic Radio, Rachel will be responsible for its expansive network of content, from its much-loved main station to its digital-only spin-offs including Magic Soul, Magic at the Musicals and Mellow Magic.

An award-winning creative leader with extensive experience in the global audio and content industry, Rachel has a reputation for delivering high quality and creatively ambitious projects that create impact. She has led teams as Editor for BBC Radio, innovated in audio publishing as Group Audio Director at HarperCollins Publishers and created new formats as VP Content at Blinkist. Most recently she has been consulting across the audio and music industry for Folded Wing and Universal Music Group.

Current Jazz FM Content Director Nick Pitts is to meanwhile expand his responsibilities as he takes on the joint role of Content Director for Jazz FM and Scala Radio. Having been part of Jazz FM since its digital relaunch in 2008 and leading since 2014, Nick has a wealth of broadcasting experience from the BBC to major market commercial radio. Also sitting on the board of the Radio Academy as its Deputy Chair, Nick is passionate about supporting people working within the radio and audio industry, as well as finding creative opportunities through programming and alongside commercial partners.

This new role will find Nick bringing his wealth of complementary experience in leading quality genre led brands to Bauer’s classical station which launched in 2019 and shares a very similar audience to that of Jazz FM, ensuring its future success as it continues to develop its programme of on-air and on demand content, as it also expands into the event space with its first large scale public event being held at The London Palladium later this year.

Speaking about the appointments, Ben Cooper, Chief Content and Music Officer for Bauer Media Audio UK said “It’s an incredibly exciting time here at Bauer where we are winning new audiences in new ways through digital innovation. Rachel and Nick will bring loads of ideas to develop these famous stations into amazing modern brands, with a variety of content for audiences whenever and wherever they want it.”

Rachel Mallender said “Magic is more than a radio station. It’s a destination that connects audiences who want a positive space to take a beat, find a smile and enjoy life right now. I am so excited about joining the team in the new year and looking forward to leading the new chapter for the network.”

Nick Pitts added “I’ve got to know the Scala Radio team since its launch a few years back – mainly from having the pleasure of sharing a floor at One Golden Square with them and know just how incredibly talented and passionate they all are – which makes taking on this new role all the more exciting. With a growing untapped audience of music fans that listen to classical music, it’s a fantastic time to be part of such a burgeoning brand and I can’t wait to get started.”

The appointment follows former Group Content Director for Absolute Radio, Magic Radio and Scala Radio Tony Moorey’s appointment as Bauer Media Audio UK’s new Content Director of Digital Platforms. Nick’s new role commences immediately while Rachel will join from January 2023.

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For further press information, please contact:
Amelia O’Shea – Head of Communications, Bauer Media Audio UK
E: amelia.oshea@bauermedia.co.uk M: 07718 489342

Cat Martin – Communications Director, Bauer Media Audio
E: cat.martin@bauermedia.co.uk M: 07932 746 363

About Bauer Media UK:

Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Brand Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.