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BBC names new controller

03/12/2007

Former Six O'Clock News editor Jay Hunt is to step down as director of programmes at Five after being confirmed as the new controller of BBC1.

Ms Hunt was appointed at Five earlier this year but is to return to the BBC to take "the best job in television", it was announced today.

She is to replace Peter Fincham who resigned after the corporation was found to have misleadingly edited a trailer for its documentary Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work.

After joining the BBC in 1989 as a researcher, she worked her way through the corporation to take editorial positions on the One O'Clock News and the Six O'Clock News, before taking charge of BBC Daytime in 2002.

Announcing Ms Hunt's appointment Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, commented: "I am really pleased to welcome Jay back to the BBC to take up the reins of the UK's most popular channel and the BBC's flagship channel.

"She has impeccable credentials as a commissioner, channel leader and journalist and has a deep commitment to the BBC's mission to bring the best programmes to the widest audience.

"I am sure she will be greeted with huge enthusiasm by programme makers inside and outside the BBC, BBC Vision and the BBC1 team."

And commenting on the announcement Ms Hunt added: "Controller of BBC1 has always been my dream job. Ultimately, I could not resist the opportunity to take on such a creatively exciting role. I am thrilled to be part of the channel's future.

"It has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave my talented team at Five but I could not turn down the best job in television."

She is to return to the BBC in 2008.