BBC Appoints Entwistle To Top Vision Post

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The BBC has named George Entwistle as Director, BBC Vision. Currently head of factual commissioning, he replaces Jana Bennett who quit her post earlier this year.

Commenting on his appointment, Entwistle said: "I am genuinely honoured to have been chosen for (this) role. The BBC's television portfolio is of enormous importance to the creative and cultural life of the UK and is performing strongly in terms of quality and audience reach and share. At the heart of its success, BBC Vision Productions is responsible for some of the best programmes we broadcast. I feel proud to be leading these teams and I will do my utmost to build on the legacy of talent and excellence left by my predecessor."

Reports in the press suggest that the BBC is saving a lot of money by appointing an internal candidate. According to some sources, Entwistle’s salary will be about half of Bennett’s – around £200,000 compared to £400,000.

BBC Director General Mark Thompson said: "I am delighted to be able to confirm George as the BBC's new Director, Vision. The breadth of his experience across journalism, the arts and factual programmes, combined with his rock-solid editorial judgment and deep understanding of the BBC's values, equip him brilliantly for this formidable task."

In his new role, Entwistle is responsible for BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC One HD, BBC HD and BBC Films. He also oversees Vision Productions and has editorial oversight for UKTV. The BBC Vision portfolio currently has 32% ytd share up from 31.8% ytd for 2010.