New Controller of BBC Entertainment Commissioning

LONDON: Mark Linsey, the executive editor for BBC Entertainment Commissioning, takes on the role of controller for the division with immediate effect. 

Linsey joined BBC Entertainment Commissioning in February 2007, and has been responsible for bringing in, among others, hits such as Who Dares Wins, Children in Need, Total Wipeout, Hole in the Wall, The Kids are Alright and The Royal Variety Performance. Since December, Linsey has been acting controller for the group. 

Jana Bennett, the director of BBC Vision, said: "I can’t think of a more important time for the BBC to be providing the highest quality television entertainment for our audiences and Mark is the right person to lead BBC Entertainment Commissioning for BBC Television and online."

She added: "From big Saturday night extravaganzas to witty panel shows, from stand up to thought-provoking factual entertainment, I know Mark believes in backing the best in British talent and providing memorable entertainment at the centre of our popular culture."

Linsey commented: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be leading BBC Entertainment Commissioning into what promises to be a really exciting and challenging age. We work with the very best and most highly creative on and off screen talent here at BBC Entertainment and with their help and support I am keen to build on our strengths, create new and innovative formats in both entertainment and factual entertainment and push forward in areas such as multiplatform and interactive."