Davie appointed vice-chairman of DRDB

He succeeds Jenny Abramsky as vice-chair, who was also his predecessor at the BBC, as director of audio and music.

Davie's appointment comes at a crucial time for digital radio. Earlier this month, Channel 4 announced it is withdrawing from the planned second national digital radio multiplex.

Channel 4 is understood to be considering remaining a shareholder in the 4Digital radio multiplex consortium, but it has canned its plans for three radio stations - Channel 4 Radio, Pure 4 and E4 Radio.

Despite the commercial sector's battle to make the platform pay, take-up of DAB digital radio increased 32% year on year during Q3, according to the latest Rajar audience figures.

Digital platforms accounted for 18.7% of all radio listening during the period.

At the start of November, the Digital Radio Development Bureau will coordinate the first joint marketing campaign between the BBC and commercial radio to boost sales in the run-up to Christmas.