BBC Names Controller of Factual Commissioning

LONDON: Alison Kirkham has been confirmed as controller of BBC factual commissioning, after occupying the post in an acting capacity since May 2015.

Kirkham will report into Charlotte Moore, the director of BBC Content, and will sit on the BBC Content Board. Prior to serving as acting controller of BBC factual commissioning, Kirkham was head of commissioning formats and features for BBC One and BBC Two for five years. Her commissions include Back in Time for Dinner, Eat Well for Less, DIY SOS Veterans Special, Britain’s Spending Secrets with Anne Robinson and The Great British Sewing Bee.

Moore said: “Alison has proved herself as a dynamic creative leader with a real passion for factual. Over the past year, she has led the team to deliver outstanding success and has championed every specialist genre within factual, embracing the full range and quality of our output. She cares enormously about nurturing new and diverse talent and I’m looking forward to seeing her vision for the future take shape.”

Kirkham added: “It is an honor to take on this role permanently. The factual slate of programs is integral to the BBC and its relationship with audiences. I relish the opportunity to drive creative renewal, innovation and editorial ambition, working closely with Charlotte across the portfolio.”

Kirkham joined the BBC in 2005 as an executive producer for Daytime and spent six months as acting controller of BBC Daytime in 2006.