Director in Place for BBC Studios

LONDON: Veteran TV producer Peter Salmon has been tapped for the role of director of BBC Studios.

BBC Studios is the new production entity created following the separation of TV production and TV commissioning at the BBC. BBC Studios will initially be created in the public service, but longer term, the BBC will work with the BBC Trust to explore whether it should become a wholly owned subsidiary of the corporation and create programming for other broadcasters as well.

Salmon has produced such programs as Crimewatch UK and Nature for BBC Bristol. He most recently co-invented Sport Relief, was controller of BBC One and BBC Sport and went on to be the founder director of BBC North in Salford. Salmon is currently the BBC’s director for England, and will become the first director of the new studios division later this year. He will work closely with the BBC’s director of television, Danny Cohen, and the BBC’s directors in the nations to decide the right structure, leadership team and remit for BBC Studios.

BBC Director-General Tony Hall said: “I’m confident that Peter will bring all the energy and creativity he’s shown at BBC England to this job. He’s got a great track record as a program maker and a creative leader and I believe he’s the right person to help shape and mold BBC Studios. I’ve now asked him to work closely with the rest of the BBC to ensure Studios draws on talent from across the corporation.”

Salmon added: “This is a great opportunity to build a new model for BBC Production and work with some of the best people in the business. Our in-house teams across the U.K. are responsible for some of the most popular and high-quality television in the world. Programs like Strictly, Doctor Who, Luther and Frozen Planet show that they can compete with producers anywhere and I want to build on that success. I’ve loved my time starting a successful creative community at BBC North in Salford and then with the BBC England team but this was too important an opportunity to pass over. I’m looking forward to getting down to work with new colleagues soon."