James Brownlow is new PD of Gem 106

From a press release to news@media.info
Posted 16 July 2015, 2.04pm bst

Orion Media, the Midlands-based commercial radio group, has today announced the appointment of James Brownlow as Programme Director at market-leading Gem 106.

James will replace Mike Newman in managing programming for Gem 106’s 2.4m TSA, following his transfer to the new role of Free Radio Brand Programme Director in the West Midlands.

Bringing with him 20 years radio experience, James joins Gem 106 in Autumn 2015 from Liverpool-based Juice FM, where he is currently Content Director. Prior to this, James held the position of Programme Director at Capital London for two years, and also spent time in Manchester and the North as Senior Programming Director for Galaxy. His insight and expertise has also been called upon in US and South African markets.

David Lloyd, Orion Media's Content and Operations Director commented: "Gem is a huge success story, having shown real audience growth and a clutch of top-category awards, thanks to the station's performance overall and 'Sam & Amy' at breakfast. James is a class act who can seize the reins with huge skill and we're delighted to have attracted him to Orion. It's great to be working with him again".

James Brownlow added: “To be involved with the passion and vision Orion Media has for creating original and exciting audio content, along with the responsibility of driving forward the huge potential of an exciting brand like Gem is an opportunity very rarely seen now. To be given that role and be backed to create such content alongside some of the industry’s most highly-decorated talent is an experience I am truly delighted with, and I’m very eager to get started”.