Decks and clearing

It's almost as if there was a plan. Mark Strippel has announced he's leaving his role as Head of Programmes at Radio 1Xtra and The Asian Network. He's been on staff with BBC Radio since 2006; prior to that, under the name Markie Mark, he was a DJ on 1Xtra from its launch in 2003. His credentials include membership of the Panjabi Hit Squad, formed in 2001

Since the arrival of Lorna Clarke as BBC Controller of Pop, Ben Cooper has left Radio 1, Lewis Carnie has left Radio 2, and Paul Rodgers has left Radio 6Music.

Mark has gone entirely; he says he's going "to work in Radio & Education HQ, leading on some strategic projects with James Purnell."