Michael Carrington Exits BBC to Join Turner Broadcasting

LONDON: Michael Carrington is to leave his post at the BBC as controller of CBeebies to take on the role of chief content officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Turner Broadcasting.

Carrington will be responsible for the development and creation of all original series, co-productions and acquisitions for Turner Broadcasting’s children’s channels within the U.K. and EMEA, including Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito. He joined the BBC in 2004 as head of acquisitions and animation for BBC Children’s. In 2006, he was named controller of CBeebies, where he was responsible for all commissioning, during which time he commissioned successful programs such as Charlie and Lola, In the Night Garden and Big & Small.

Carrington steps down from his role at the BBC on February 26 and will join Turner on April 6. Tina McCann has been serving in the CCO role at Turner on an interim basis since Finn Arnesen’s departure in October, and will continue in this capacity until Carrington joins.

Jeff Kupsky, the president of Turner Broadcasting Europe, said, “We are delighted to have made such an outstanding appointment to this role. Michael has impeccable credentials as a commissioner and creative leader from both the public and private sectors and is considered one of the leading experts in children’s television. I am thrilled he’s joining us and very much look forward to welcoming him to the Turner team.”

Carrington commented, “CBeebies is in great shape and I’ve loved every minute of my time working here with a great team of talented people. Now feels like the right time for me to return to the commercial sector. Turner Broadcasting is renowned for its exciting production slate, world-class children’s channels and strong audience connections. It’s a tremendous opportunity and challenge to be asked to lead content development and original production and sustain Turner’s position as a leading children’s entertainment company. I’m really excited by the possibilities.”