After serving Radio 1 for 11 years, DJ Zane Lowe is leaving the network to join Apple’s new radio streaming service.
The 41 year-old New Zealander joined Radio 1 in 2003, presenting the Monday to Thursday 7-9pm slot that showcased new talent in the music industry.
Lowe helped launch the careers of Arctic Monkeys, Adele and Ed Sheeran to name just a few.
He also hosted the ‘Hottest Record in The World’ segment – recent recipients of this include Slaves with Feed The Mantaray, Palma Violets’ Danger in The Club and Florence and The Machine’s What Kind of Man.
Annie Mac, 36, who currently presents the Friday evening dance show has been announced as Lowe’s successor and will take the reins from March 9, whilst also continuing to present her show on Fridays.
Annie Mac said: “I am so excited and humbled to be asked to do this show. The thing I love about music radio is those private epiphanies it provides. Having 11 hours of airtime a week to share those moments with music that has no boundaries, is beyond a job, it’s a privilege. And to be following in the footsteps of Zane Lowe, a broadcaster that I respect and admire enormously, is a huge honour. I can’t wait to get started.”
Lowe’s last broadcast for Radio 1 will air on March 5 after which he will move to America with his family.
This news coincides with rumours that Apple will be launching a music streaming service in the near future to compete with Spotify.
Before working for the BBC, Zane Lowe presented MTV’s Gonzo and became an advocate for new music on XFM as well as working as a music producer, earning him a Grammy nomination for his work on Sam Smith’s debut album.
Lowe said: “I want to thank everyone at Radio 1 for their support and friendship. The station has allowed me to share incredible music with the country’s best music fans. I’ve loved every minute of it. Exciting times ahead.”
Feature image by Radio1interactive on Flickr