Honour for former BBC radio boss

Former director of BBC audio and music Jenny Abramsky has been made a dame in the New Year Honours.

A 40-year career at the BBC saw her edit Radio 4's Today programme and oversee the launch of radio 5 live, the BBC News website and News Channel.

She became chairwoman of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund earlier this year.

She said: "I'm thrilled because I believe this honour recognises the importance of radio in this country."

"Radio is an astonishing medium that people feel passionate about and I'm proud to have played a part in ensuring that it continues to thrive."

Ms Abramsky, 62, was made a CBE in 2001 for services to broadcasting.

She ran the BBC's national radio stations from 1999, before which she was head of the BBC's continuous news department.

As director of BBC audio and music, Ms Abramsky had responsibility for all BBC national radio networks, for the BBC's digital radio services, and for music across television, radio, online and live events.

In recent years, her work included launching the Electric Proms live music event.

She is also chair of the Hampstead Theatre, a trustee of the Central School of Ballet and an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music.

Previously she served as a governor of the British Film Institute and on the Economic Social and Research Council.