ITV Appoints New Director Of Programmes

ITV has appointed controller of CBBC, Nigel Pickard, as its new director of programmes, replacing David Liddiment who leaves the Network at the end of the year (see Liddiment Quits ITV Director Of Channels Role).

As controller of CBBC Pickard is responsible for the commissioning, production and scheduling of children’s and youth programming for BBC Television. In addition to programming for BBC1 and BBC2, he has overseen the development and launch of two new BBC children’s channels, CBBC and CBeebies.

Prior to joining the BBC in October 2000, Pickard was controller of children’s and youth programmes at ITV, where he commissioned the highly successful SMTV and CD:UK. Before this he was vice president of production at Flextech Television and controller of entertainment and drama features at Scottish Television.

Commented on the appointment, Mick Desmond, joint managing director of ITV, said: “Nigel is a great appointment for ITV. He has a wealth of experience in commercial broadcasting plus a successful track record in both children’s and multi-channel television, two of the most competitive areas of the business. We are delighted he is returning to ITV in this key role.”

Pickard added: “This is an extremely exciting time for ITV and one which offers enormous opportunities for the future. I have enjoyed my time at the BBC immensely but the chance to return to ITV when the corporate focus is so clearly back on the core channel business is something I just couldn’t turn down.”

ITV: 0207 843 8000 www.itv.com

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