Menu
17/12/2010
BBC Three Gets New Boss
Zai Bennett, the director of ITV's digital channels and acquisitions, has been named the new controller of BBC Three.
The 36-year-old replaces the outgoing Danny Cohen, who was appointed the new controller of BBC One in October.
Controller of ITV2 from 2006-9, Bennett took on responsibility for ITV's other digital channels in April.
He said he was "delighted" to join BBC Three, adding the channel was "on fire at the moment".
The Director of BBC Vision Jana Bennett called him one of the "most energetic and creative leaders working in television today".
"His experience in developing original scripted drama and comedy, along with his fantastic relationship with presenters and performers, makes Zai perfect for this role," she added.
Mr Bennett will inherit a channel that had an £88m budget in the year to the end of March.
However, BBC3's budget is likely to be cut next year as the BBC embarks on a new round of belt tightening in the wake of October's licence fee settlement as with the licence fee frozen for six years, the BBC is facing a 16% cut in funding in real terms.
He started his TV career in the post room at Carlton Television in 1995, occasionally delivering David Cameron's mail to him when the current Prime Minister worked as the ITV broadcaster's Communications Director.
Mr Bennett was presentation scheduler for the launch of Channel 5 in 1997, before joining ITV the following year.
(BMcC)
The 36-year-old replaces the outgoing Danny Cohen, who was appointed the new controller of BBC One in October.
Controller of ITV2 from 2006-9, Bennett took on responsibility for ITV's other digital channels in April.
He said he was "delighted" to join BBC Three, adding the channel was "on fire at the moment".
The Director of BBC Vision Jana Bennett called him one of the "most energetic and creative leaders working in television today".
"His experience in developing original scripted drama and comedy, along with his fantastic relationship with presenters and performers, makes Zai perfect for this role," she added.
Mr Bennett will inherit a channel that had an £88m budget in the year to the end of March.
However, BBC3's budget is likely to be cut next year as the BBC embarks on a new round of belt tightening in the wake of October's licence fee settlement as with the licence fee frozen for six years, the BBC is facing a 16% cut in funding in real terms.
He started his TV career in the post room at Carlton Television in 1995, occasionally delivering David Cameron's mail to him when the current Prime Minister worked as the ITV broadcaster's Communications Director.
Mr Bennett was presentation scheduler for the launch of Channel 5 in 1997, before joining ITV the following year.
(BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 May 2004
BBC Four chief moves across to head up BBC Two
BBC Director of Television Jana Bennett has announced the appointment of Roly Keating as the new Controller of BBC Two. Keating, currently the Controller of BBC Four, will take up his new role in June when he becomes Jana Bennett's first channel controller appointment.
BBC Four chief moves across to head up BBC Two
BBC Director of Television Jana Bennett has announced the appointment of Roly Keating as the new Controller of BBC Two. Keating, currently the Controller of BBC Four, will take up his new role in June when he becomes Jana Bennett's first channel controller appointment.
16 March 2012
BBC To Move Forward With Paid Download Service
The BBC's director of archive content Roly Keating has said viewers are “very comfortable” with the corporations plans to launch an iTunes-style download service.
BBC To Move Forward With Paid Download Service
The BBC's director of archive content Roly Keating has said viewers are “very comfortable” with the corporations plans to launch an iTunes-style download service.
09 August 2011
BBC Launches New BBC iPlayer For TV
The BBC has launched a new version of BBC iPlayer for TV. For the first time, BBC iPlayer on TV is personalised, specifically designed for the living room, and easy to use. The new version gives audiences the control they want directly on the TV, in a design custom-built for the living room, so the BBC iPlayer experience feels just like TV.
BBC Launches New BBC iPlayer For TV
The BBC has launched a new version of BBC iPlayer for TV. For the first time, BBC iPlayer on TV is personalised, specifically designed for the living room, and easy to use. The new version gives audiences the control they want directly on the TV, in a design custom-built for the living room, so the BBC iPlayer experience feels just like TV.
27 May 2011
Trust Launches Review Of BBC News Channel And BBC Parliament
The BBC Trust has launched its service review of BBC Parliament and BBC News Channel, as part of its rolling programme of service reviews. The review will look at the current performance of BBC Parliament and the News Channel - including the stations' quality, distinctiveness and value for money - and the BBC's future plans for the services.
Trust Launches Review Of BBC News Channel And BBC Parliament
The BBC Trust has launched its service review of BBC Parliament and BBC News Channel, as part of its rolling programme of service reviews. The review will look at the current performance of BBC Parliament and the News Channel - including the stations' quality, distinctiveness and value for money - and the BBC's future plans for the services.
14 January 2010
Radical Change For Digital TV Age
Public service broadcasting needs to be radically overhauled if it is to survive in the new digital age. A report published in mid January has called for the BBC to place quality before ratings, and stop spending huge resources on sports rights, programmes for 16 to 35-year-olds and popular entertainment, which other channels would deliver anyway.
Radical Change For Digital TV Age
Public service broadcasting needs to be radically overhauled if it is to survive in the new digital age. A report published in mid January has called for the BBC to place quality before ratings, and stop spending huge resources on sports rights, programmes for 16 to 35-year-olds and popular entertainment, which other channels would deliver anyway.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
