Shillinglaw takes over at BBC2

The BBC’s head of science and natural history commissioning Kim Shillinglaw has been named the new controller of BBC2 and BBC4, in the wake of Janice Hadlow’s exit from the role.

Kim Shillinglaw

Shillinglaw, who has been at the BBC since 2006, was among those said to be in the running following the announcement in February that Hadlow was moving to the newly created role of controller of specials projects and seasons.

Having appointed Adam Barker temporarily to the BBC2/4 role in February, Shillinglaw has today been confirmed in the post, taking a seat on the BBC television board at the same time.

“Kim has proved herself to be an exceptional creative at the BBC,” said BBC director of television Danny Cohen, announcing the appointment. “She has an eye for scale and the bigger picture and seeks out distinctive, high-quality ideas. BBC2 is in fantastic shape and I’m looking forward to seeing the channel blossom further under Kim’s leadership.”

Shillinglaw has been responsible for commissioning 200 hours of television a year, according to the UK pubcaster, which credited her with titles including Stargazing, Royal Television Society Award-winning factual drama The Challenger, Grierson Award-winner Joy of Stats, Africa and the Bafta-winning Frozen Planet and Horrible Histories.

She will now be responsible for the creative and strategic direction of BBC2 and will also work together with BBC4 channel editor Cassian Harrison to ensure the two networks are “well-aligned,” said the Beeb.

Commenting on her appointment, Shillinglaw said: “BBC2 has always been one of the most creative channels in the world, with a huge range of quality programming. I’m delighted and honoured by the prospect of working with the best of our British talent and programme makers. I look forward to taking it and BBC4 to the next phase of great, thought-provoking and lively TV for British audiences.”

Question marks over the future of BBC4 have been raised recently, however, following the BBC’s decision to close down sibling BBC3 as a broadcast operation from next year.