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Interesting article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40431793 But I think Ben Cooper is being a bit disingenuous. It's not that there isn't a pool of talent available - it's that he isn't fully tapping into it. There are tons of people on commercial radio who'd do a decent job on Radio 1, but Ben Cooper never seems to commit. Look at the way Jordan North has been deppping for the best part of 2 1/2 years without a full time show. Pete Allison as well was a missed opportunity. I also dislike the way he talks about casually plucking people off TV as an easy way of recruiting.

Interesting article. It's a fair point about syndication and cuts to local commercial radio and that the likes of T4, MTV live shows etc aren't around anymore and they often had young talent to choose from. However, there are still plenty of young, talented, passionate presenters out there to choose from. They took a risk with Greg James- got him to cover Sara Cox the day after he graduated! There's got to be some brilliant talent from student radio they should nurture and develop. Same with commercial radio- recruit young talent from local or regional stations who have potential. Only if they're good enough of course. He's brought in Clara Amfo, Jordan North and Adele Roberts (from 1Xtra) in recent years but it seems like way more could be done. Getting Rylan to cover seemed like desperation, as did Cel Spellman getting a show (he's not awful and yes, he's a big CBBC name but will never be weekday material IMO and a 20 year old from student radio who has natural radio talent should be given a chance instead). One name I'd keep an eye out for- Riyadh Khalaf. He's been doing BBC3 documentaries, has a huge YouTube following and presented on a radio station in Dublin as well as being an entertainment reporter. Wouldn't be surprised to see him doing some weekend cover in the coming months.