Entwistle takes over BBC Vision

George Entwistle has been formally named director of BBC Vision, taking over from outgoing Jana Bennett on a permanent basis with immediate effect.

Entwistle (left) – who previously oversaw the BBC’s factual division, BBC Knowledge – has been acting director of the BBC’s television division for the past three months.

“The BBC’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,” he said today.

“At the heart of its success, BBC Vision Productions is responsible for some of the best television programmes we broadcast.”

In his new role, Entwistle is responsible for BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, BBC1 HD, BBC HD and BBC Films. He also oversees Vision Productions and has editorial oversight for UKTV.

Bennett left BBC Vision in January to join the pubcaster’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide as president of worldwide networks and global iPlayer. BBC Knowledge is currently being run on an acting basis by Emma Swain.