Sam King, BBC Introducing in Oxford’s producer and right-hand man to presenter Dave Gilyeat, has announced that he’ll shortly be leaving the show. King, who has worked on the radio show for over two years and 100 editions, is moving on for reasons described in a post on his personal blog:

“I’m sad to announce that I have decided to step down as producer of BBC Introducing in Oxford. It’s been over two years since I started working on the show, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Recently, however, it’s become increasingly difficult to dedicate enough time to the show to ensure that I do the job properly. Trying to keep a full time job going alongside the show has taken it’s toll, and so last week I took the decision to step down from working on BBC Introducing in Oxford. It’s been a real privilege to work on the show – I’ve made some great friends, met some amazing people, and discovered a whole world of music that I would never have known existed otherwise.”

King has been a hugely active and popular part of the Oxford music scene, and will continue to be, not least by way of King Bearder Productions, the ‘collaborative filming project’ run by King and fellow BBC Introducing in Oxford alumnus Tim Bearder, which has been responsible for promo videos from bands including The Half Rabbits, Gunning For Tamar and Spring Offensive.

King cites some highlights from his tenure on the show as being involved in the early moments of the Upstairs series of gigs at Oxford’s O2 Academy, following Fixers during a recording trip to Maida Vale, and helping to set up the Introducing stage at last year’s Truck festival.

Sam, we wish you luck and thank you for everything you’ve done for the Oxford music scene!