Ben Gale Returns to BBC

BRISTOL: Ben Gale, the former director of programs at Five, is to head up the BBC’s documentaries and features in Bristol, replacing Tom Archer, who left last year to serve as controller of BBC Factual Production.

Bristol’s documentaries and features department produces a range of programs, including Antiques Roadshow, DIY SOS, It’s Not Easy Being Green, Ray Mears, Anatomy of a Crime and Seven Ages of Rock. Gale was previously the BBC’s commissioning editor for factual features and formats, before leaving to take on the role of Five’s director of programs in May 2008. During his time at Five, Gale acquired The Mentalist and greenlit the re-make of Minder. He takes up his new post in May.

Archer commented: "I am very pleased that Ben is returning to the BBC. His creative flair is the perfect match for one of the most exciting in-house production areas in the BBC."

Gale said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of running what is often described as a jewel in the crown of BBC Factual Production and returning to program-making after several years in commissioning. There’s a terrific team at BBC Bristol and I’m looking forward to getting down there and getting going."