Kavanagh moves into BBC3 hot seat

The BBC has confirmed that Damian Kavanagh will leave his role as controller of daytime to become digital controller of the new-look BBC3 ahead of its move online.

Kavanagh has overseen the controversial proposals to turn the youth-skewing channel into an online-only service, revealing plans this week to “re-invent the channel for the digital age and take risks with ideas, talent and technology.”

The cost-cutting measures were first announced in March and are subject to approval by the BBC Trust, the governing body of the UK pubcaster, which will start its consultation on the proposals in January.

Kavanagh starts the role in the new year, leaving the daytime controller role vacant. A spokesman for the BBC told C21 that more details will be announced shortly.

Meanwhile, acting BBC3 head and joint head of documentaries for BBC1, Sam Bickley, will return to her role as head of commissioning for documentaries and features at BBC3.

Previous BBC3 boss Zai Bennett left the pubcaster in April to become director of Sky Atlantic shortly after the BBC announced plans close BBC3 as a linear broadcast channel.

Kavanagh returned to the BBC in 2013 less than a year after he left to join Channel 4 as its head of features and factual format.

Prior to that he was controller for BBC children’s net CBBC and was also previously head of planning and scheduling for BBC Daytime.

Danny Cohen, BBC director of television, added: “Damian did a brilliant interview in a very competitive field. His background at CBBC means he has great experience already with young audiences and their love of digital content.”