Setting the pace on the first day of #IT2024, radio veteran and head of BBC Asian Network, Ahmed Hussain, joined us for an extended glimpse into his storied career. Host, Yemi Abiade reports…
From broadcasting on pirate radio in the same building as UD to running an award-winning national radio broadcaster, via a stint running Prison Radio with the Ministry of Justice, Hussain’s credentials speak for themselves.
Yet, the East Londoner, born and bred in Newham, brought humility to the conversation, sharing anecdotes about his come up in the early 2000s, a time when the likes of Boy Better Know and Roll Deep would enter the record store he worked at to sell freshly-pressed white labels. As well as visiting prisons throughout the country helping to train inmates how to produce radio shows. Leading by example, he let it be known that he worked for everything he has, using his initiative to carve out a unique space, wowing the audience with his oratory.
In a career that has seen him navigate multiple radio environments, even at such an executive position, Hussain’s passion for radio shined through the discussion. His impact on BBC Asian Network, where he’s been since 2020, has led to increased listenership for the station as well as an ARIA Award for Radio Station of the Year.
Completely changing its infrastructure by ushering in new presenters, new segments and commissions with independent production companies has led to a surge in its popularity, backed by Hussain’s vision to reimagine the station for the modern day.
One thing that stood out to me was his initial hesitation to take the role, and having to overcome a feeling of being pigeonholed as an Asian man working for a station catered to people of Asian origin. His openness was refreshing and, given the success he’s been able to bring the network, proves he made the right bet.
Hussain also let us know how much he values community through his involvement with East Bank, a new cultural quarter at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Bridging the gap between the Newham of old and new, he eloquently pled his case for the borough’s underrepresented communities to have a say in its development, so as to create a valuable dialogue that can move the area in the right direction.
Then, answering audience questions, Hussain was directive in his advice for artists wanting to get the attention of the BBC, how to find your voice in radio and whether community building is still possible in the modern-day creative industry. A great way to end a conversation packed with insight.
Listen to the BBC Asian Network HERE.
Follow Ahmed Hussain HERE.
Words: Yemi Abiade a London-based writer, editor and podcaster who specialises in written works exploring music and culture. His work weaves between grime and rap, documenting their place within the contexts of the Black British diaspora and its roots in the Windrush generation and beyond. He is a Contributing Editor for TRENCH and has written for The Guardian, VICE, The Face, Pitchfork, Dazed, i-D and more. His work has also been featured by Channel 4 News, Sky News, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live. He also co-hosts Rhymes Like Dimes, a bi-weekly hip-hop podcast.
Photography: Kat Friar & Laura ‘Hyperfrank’ Brosnan
