SBS Appoints New Factual Commissioning Editor

SBS has tapped Bethan Arwel-Lewis to serve as commissioning editor of factual.

Arwel-Lewis will commission and oversee delivery of innovative, engaging and entertaining content for SBS, exploring the diversity of contemporary Australia. She brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role, having worked on a range of projects for networks such as SBS, ABC, Seven, Channel 4 and BBC.

She joins from Southern Pictures, where she was series producer on the AACTA Award-winning docuseries Miriam Margolyes: Australia Unmasked (ABC). Other projects she has series produced are Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds (Endemol Shine for the ABC) and Murder in the Outback: The Falconio and Lees Mystery (Cordell Jigsaw for Seven and Channel 4). Prior to coming to Australia, she worked with Welsh-language broadcaster S4C, where she series produced Iolo ac Indiaid America (Iolo’s Native American Journey).

Arwel-Lewis begins her new role on January 16.

Joseph Maxwell, head of unscripted at SBS, said, “We’re so thrilled to have Bethan joining the team, bringing her extensive experience, creativity and natural flair for authentic storytelling to our unscripted offering at SBS. Having worked across such a diverse collection of distinctive and award-winning series, both here in Australia and in the U.K., Bethan’s got a track record of stories that connect with audiences and, coupled with her passion for the work we do at SBS, will be a great asset as we continue to explore new ways to surprise and delight Australians through our original factual programming.”

Arwel-Lewis added: “SBS is renowned for its distinctive documentaries and factual series, which have shown to have the power to provoke meaningful debate and trigger change, something I am very passionate about. It’s a privilege to be able to play a role in sharing these important stories with Australians, and I’m looking forward to working with this respected team as we engage audiences with programs that challenge, explore and celebrate contemporary Australia.”