Capital FM names new programming chief

Global Radio has named Galaxy's James Brownlow as the new programming boss of 95.8 Capital FM to replace the outgoing Paul Jackson.

Brownlow joins the flagship London station from the Global Radio-owned Galaxy network, where he was senior programme director for Manchester and the North.

In his new role, Brownlow will be responsible for all programming output at Capital FM, reporting to Global's director of broadcasting Richard Park.

Brownlow will replace Jackson, who is emigrating to Australia to join Lachlan Murdoch's DMG Radio group, where he will become programming director for a range of stations, including Radio Nova and Classic Rock.

Park, who is Jackson's father, said: "We are of course sorry to lose Paul. He has been a programming giant at Capital over the years, and integral to its great success.

"We look forward to welcoming James to this senior role and to the team at Leicester Square in October. We are certain he will be a great asset to Capital as we continue to develop and grow the brand."

Brownlow added: "This is an incredible opportunity - I'm extremely passionate about the Capital brand and look forward to working with its talented team to continue the station's success."

During his three years at Capital, Jackson was responsible for briefly reuniting Johnny Vaughan and Denise Van Outen on the station's breakfast show in 2008.

After Van Outen quit after just six months, her replacement Lisa Snowdon went on to forge a successful partnership with Vaughan.

According to the latest audience figures, Capital has the third largest weekly audience among London's commercial radio stations behind Heart 106.2 and Magic 105.4.