New Controller for BBC One

LONDON: Danny Cohen, currently the controller of BBC Three, has been named controller of BBC One.

Cohen took over at BBC Three in May, re-launching the service to give it a clearer focus on young audiences and factual programs. BBC Three is now the most-watched digital channel by young viewers in the hours it broadcasts and the biggest digital channel overall in its hours. Prior to joining the BBC, Cohen was head of E4 and head of Channel 4’s factual entertainment.

Jana Bennett, the director of BBC Vision, said: "Danny Cohen is one of the most talented TV executives of his generation. His work both here at the BBC and at Channel 4, with programs such as Skins, The Inbetweeners, Being Human, Women, Weddings, War And Me and Young Voters’ Question Time attest to his skills as an innovator and a great creative thinker.

"He has a deep understanding of public service broadcasting and a finely developed sense of what audiences of all ages are looking for, things which are hugely important as Controller of the UK’s most popular channel."

On his position, Cohen said: "It’s a huge privilege to take charge of Britain’s most-watched channel, and I feel honored to have this opportunity.

"BBC One is one of the nation’s great cultural institutions and I’m looking forward to working with a wonderful range of talented people in the coming years. Jay Hunt’s success in the job means that the channel is currently in very good shape indeed and I hope to build on these very strong foundations. I’m excited by the challenge."