BBC Worldwide Hires New Global Programming & Acquisitions Chief

LONDON: BBC Worldwide has appointed Jon Farrar as the senior VP for global programming and acquisitions, bolstering the company’s continued genre-channel launch plans.

Farrar began his media career at BBC Worldwide in 1998 as deputy editor of U.K. Play. In 2002, he became head of programming for Viacom’s VH1 branded channels. He spent four years at NBCUniversal as director of programs for the U.K. and EMEA, before returning to BBC Worldwide in 2010. Since then, Farrar has been instrumental in creating the editorial strategy of BBC Worldwide’s new channel propositions, while also leading the media company’s branded services team in Western Europe. His new role will ensure the business’s global programming and acquisitions strategy continues to be aligned with regional commercial and editorial objectives.

George Dixon, BBC Worldwide’s global editorial director, said: “In order for us to replicate the success of BBC First in Australia in other international markets it’s vital that we deliver our editorial and commercial goals, and a fully coordinated approach to acquisitions and scheduling is crucial in this endeavor. Jon has played a key role in shaping the editorial strategy of our new brands and I’m delighted that he’s decided to take up this challenge.”