Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Beeb announces Kim Shillinglaw as new controller of BBC 2

 

Ian Burrell
Friday 11 April 2014 10:27 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The BBC has confirmed that Kim Shillinglaw, its head of science and natural history commissioning, is to be the new controller of BBC2.

Ms Shillinglaw, who has championed programmes including the BAFTA-winning Frozen Planet and the children’s hit Horrible Histories, replaces Janice Hadlow, who has run BBC2 for six years.

Announcing the appointment, BBC director of television, Danny Cohen, said: “Kim has proved herself to be an exceptional creative at the BBC. She has an eye for scale and the bigger picture and seeks out distinctive, high-quality ideas. BBC Two is in fantastic shape and I’m looking forward to seeing the channel blossom further under Kim’s leadership.”

A key part of Ms Shillinglaw’s role will be to ensure that BBC2 and its sister channel BBC4 are closely-aligned.

She said: “BBC Two has always been one of the most creative channels in the world, with a huge range of quality programming. I'm delighted and honoured by the prospect of working with the best of our British talent and programme makers; I look forward to taking it and BBC Four to the next phase of great, thought-provoking and lively TV for British audiences.”

Ms Shillinglaw, who lists “collecting animal bones” among her hobbies is regarded as an outspoken figure within the television industry and was responsible for a rise in Science programming on BBC1. She began her career at the independent production company Observer Films before moving to the BBC’s factual department and later becoming an executive producer of the long-running science magazine series Bang Goes the Theory.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in