New Factual Commissioning Editor for Channel 5

LONDON: Sean Doyle, who previously worked for the BBC, has joined Channel 5 as the network's commissioning editor for factual, effective immediately.

Doyle will work under Ben Frow, Channel 5's director of programming. He is charged with developing new areas of factual programming as the network continues to improve its documentary and factual output. He will also support new talent and assist with editorial and production for all factual content.

While at the BBC, Doyle served as head of development for daytime and features and secured network series commissions from Northern Ireland. Among the shows he developed are Blitz Cities for BBC1 and Michael Portillo's State Secrets for BBC2. Earlier in his career, he worked for a number of indie production companies, including Wild Rover Productions and The Telegael Media Group.

"I'm delighted Sean is joining us; he has a populist touch, a great personality and an enthusiasm for good ideas that is infectious," said Frow. "Sean will make a great addition to the team as we continue to evolve the Channel 5 portfolio."

It was recently announced that Ninder Billing will join Channel 5 next month as commissioning editor for factual and sport.