Lawson 'joins Radio 4 controller running'

Mark Lawson, presenter of Radio 4's arts programme Front Row, has reportedly emerged as a surprise contender to become the station's controller.

According to The Guardian, Lawson directly applied for the chance to succeed Radio 4 controller Mark Damazer when he leaves the BBC in mid-September.

The 48-year-old broadcaster, who recently clashed with actor Russell Crowe during promotional interviews for Robin Hood, is understood to have been interviewed for the post last week as the BBC attempts to build a firm shortlist for the role.

Earlier in the month, it emerged that over 14 candidates are being considered to become the new Radio 4 controller.

The BBC has refused to reveal any names, but it is thought that BBC Knowledge controller George Entwistle, BBC Two controller Janice Hadlow and Roly Keating, who is currently overseeing the BBC's archives project, are all in the running.

Ceri Thomas, editor of Radio 4's Today programme, is also believed to be on the list, while Newsnight editor Peter Rippon has been heavily linked to the position. Google's head of communications Peter Barron, who previously edited Newsnight, is among external candidates for the role.

All candidates will have to deliver a written submission detailing their ideas for Radio 4 and then undergo two rounds of interviews. An unnamed candidate, who interviewed for the post last week, said that it is going to be "a long, long process".

Lawson was previously mooted as a candidate for the BBC's arts editor job, which eventually went to Will Gompertz.

When asked about his application for the Radio 4 position, Lawson said: "There are all sorts of rumours going round the BBC so who knows what the truth is. I am not going to say anything at all about it."