Jana Bennett Moves to BBC Worldwide

LONDON: Jana Bennet is leaving her post as director of BBC Vision to join BBC Worldwide as president of worldwide networks and Global iPlayer.

Effective February 2011, Bennett will be responsible for BBC Worldwide’s branded channels—BBC Entertainment, BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies and BBC HD—and its 50-percent holding in UKTV—which covers 10 channels, including Dave, Watch and Yesterday. She is also responsible for the Global iPlayer, due to pilot in the first half of 2011.

John Smith, the CEO of BBC Worldwide, said of her departure: “Jana’s track record in commissioning and producing world-class content across the whole spectrum of genres is second to none. I have worked with her for many years, and have long harboured a wish to bring her talents into BBC Worldwide. I am delighted she is joining us in a role where her editorial skills, her understanding of what the BBC means, and her knowledge of launching and running successful channels will be harnessed globally.

“We have launched 26 channels over the last four years, and have high ambitions for them. They are a primary focus of investment and a key means of showcasing quality British content to consumers around the world. Jana will drive them to the next level on every front— reach, ratings, revenue and editorial excellence. In digital services, Jana’s contribution to the launch and ongoing success of the U.K. iPlayer, and her oversight of the launch of the BBC’s red button service, along with her programming expertise, qualify her perfectly to lead the Global iPlayer.”

Mark Thompson, director-general of the BBC, commented: “Jana has been an outstanding creative leader of the BBC and a very supportive executive colleague. Her passion for the craft of television has resulted in our channels being in the strongest shape for a decade. Reach, quality and approval are all the highest levels ever. Her understanding of what makes great television and what audiences want has led to a sustained period of creative success, and she is just the person to take our international channels to the next level and oversee the creation of a successful Global iPlayer.”

Bennett said of her move: “I always said it would take something pretty special to get me to consider another job in broadcasting. Well, the chance to manage and grow BBC Worldwide’s portfolio of channels was just that challenge. And when you add in the possibilities we have with the Global iPlayer it was something that I knew I just had to do.

“I have had an incredible time during my eight years as director of BBC Television and then director of BBC Vision. I have seen our portfolio of channels grow and have worked with the very best talent that the U.K.’s creative industries have to offer. The sheer variety and pace of life in the role has been breathtaking but I go knowing that BBC Vision is in great shape. It is a phenomenal powerhouse of creative achievement and I am sure it will continue to flourish.”

She added, “For me, however, I am looking forward to an amazing opportunity in an international role at BBC Worldwide, where I hope to grow the reputation of the BBC around the world still further.”