´óÏó´«Ã½

The ´óÏó´«Ã½ has today appointed George Entwistle as Director, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Vision.

The appointment concludes an extensive recruitment search that followed Jana Bennett's departure from the post in January 2011. Entwistle will also join the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Executive Board with immediate effect.

George Entwistle, who will take up the post with immediate effect, said: "I am genuinely honoured to have been chosen for the role of Director, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Vision. The ´óÏó´«Ã½'s television portfolio is of enormous importance to the creative and cultural life of the UK and is performing strongly in terms of quality and audience reach and share. At the heart of its success, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Vision Productions is responsible for some of the best television programmes we broadcast.

"I feel enormously proud to be leading these teams and I will do my utmost to build on the legacy of talent and excellence left by my predecessor, Jana Bennett."

´óÏó´«Ã½ Director General Mark Thompson said: "I am delighted to be able to confirm George as the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s new Director, Vision. The breadth of his experience across journalism, the arts and factual programmes, combined with his rock-solid editorial judgement and deep understanding of the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s values, equip him brilliantly for this formidable task.

"I am looking forward to working closely with him to ensure the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s television portfolio remains the envy of the broadcasting world."

Notes to Editors

The Director, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Vision is responsible for ´óÏó´«Ã½ One, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Three, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Four, ´óÏó´«Ã½ One HD, ´óÏó´«Ã½ HD and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Films. He also oversees Vision Productions and has editorial oversight for UKTV.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Vision portfolio currently has 32% ytd share up from 31.8% ytd for 2010.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Television has just received 48 BAFTA nominations (excluding news and sport) for the 2011 BAFTA television awards.

JP