Key BBC factual commissioning appointments announced

Three new commissioners for factual programmes across the BBC's four television channels have been appointed, paving the way for a new, fairer one-stop shop commissioning system for in-house and independent producers alike.
Announcing the appointments, Glenwyn Benson, Controller of Factual Television, said: "I'm very pleased to have been able to assemble such a strong, experienced and creatively bold team.
"Each of them will have direct responsibility for commissioning programmes from both BBC in-house production and independents, which will ensure that that everyone has direct and equal access to the commissioning process."
Emma Swain becomes Commissioning Editor for Specialist Factual, retaining responsibility for history, natural history and science; Adam Kemp will be Commissioning Editor for Arts, Performance and Religion; and Richard Klein takes on the new role of Commissioning Editor for Documentaries. This latter role will be based in Bristol as an important contribution to the BBC's Out of London initiative.
Peter Horrocks, as announced in December, remains as Commissioning Editor for Current Affairs and Investigations.
The post of Commissioner of Factual Features remains vacant, and external applications will now be invited.
Emma Swain will commission factual features in the interim.
The five new commissioning editors will commission their own part of the slate and will report to Benson, who is responsible for the overall factual commissioning strategy, genre investment and commissioning key factual 'events'.
Benson said: "Each of our commissioning editors is highly regarded in their field, with a proven track record in commissioning award winning, top quality BBC shows, for all our channels.
"They are experienced in bringing on creative talent and encouraging the development of original ideas for the BBC's evolving editorial strategy across its four channels."
Jana Bennett, the BBC's Director of Television, said: "This structure creates a simple one-stop shop and puts the best in-house and independent ideas in open competition.
"The factual restructure is integral to the significant overhaul of the BBC's commissioning system I announced last December, which has included restructuring of the Drama and Entertainment commissioning teams announced in recent weeks.
"It also prepares the BBC to introduce greater competitive space in its commissioning through the proposed Window of Creative Competition (the WOCC).
"The new and streamlined commissioning structure for Television, together with our plans for new processes including developing faster turnaround times and greater information sharing with the creative community, will deliver audiences the richest content from the best programme makers."
The new team will take up their posts on April 4, 2005.
(GB)