Caroline Raphael, the Radio 4 executive responsible for the original incarnations of Little Britain, The League of Gentlemen and That Mitchell and Webb Sound, is to leave the BBC after a cost-saving restructure reduced the post to a three days a week role.
Raphael, one of the most influential comedy executives of her generation, was also responsible for early shows featuring Miranda Hart and Sarah Millican.
Other shows which later transferred to television under Raphael’s watch included Dead Ringers and Count Arthur Strong’s Radio Show.
The BBC said Raphael, whose full title is commissioning editor, comedy and fiction, and commissioning editor of spin-off digital station, Radio 4 Extra, will leave next spring after more than 30 years with the corporation. She decided to leave after her job was one of the roles affected by a cost-saving restructure across BBC radio.
The BBC said the comedy and entertainment commissioning editor role would be advertised on a three day a week basis, with “plans currently being developed for how the other programme areas currently overseen by this post will be covered”.
Raphael, who joined the BBC in 1984 from Bristol Old Vic, where she was a director, said: “When I joined the BBC on a temporary 10-week contract, I had no idea I’d stay for over 31 years.
“After finally making up my mind about leaving Radio 4 next spring, I’m now excited about taking all that I have learnt in this unique organisation, and exploring the opportunities I can see outside the corporation.”
Gwyneth Williams, controller of Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra, said Raphael had made a “huge contribution” to BBC radio and “her expertise and experience in comedy and entertainment are unparalleled”.
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