Jay Hunt Appointed BBC One Controller
Jay Hunt, Five’s director of programmes, has been appointed controller of BBC One.
She replaces Peter Fincham, who resigned following the Wyatt Report into the ‘Crowngate’ affair (see Fincham Quits Following Queen Doco Shocker).
Hunt, who only took up her job at Five in September (see Five Announces New Director Of Programmes) was previously BBC controller daytime and early peak with responsibility for daytime output on BBC One and Two.
She was also a member of the senior management team in BBC Vision, determining commissioning and portfolio strategy for TV and multiplatform services.
Hunt said: “Controller of BBC One 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.”
Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, said: “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.
Hunt joined the BBC in 1989 as a researcher on Breakfast News and worked her way up to output editor before joining Newsnight, where she stayed until 1998.
She then moved to Panorama as a senior producer, becoming editor of the One O’Clock News and then the Six O’Clock News.
Hunt is expected to take up her new role in approximately six months time and will stay at Five until then.
In a statement released today, Five’s managing director, content, Lisa Opie, said: “Jay has already achieved a great deal during her brief time at Five and the first half of 2008 is already scheduled and commissioned.
“She will be with the channel for a few months yet and we look forward to having the benefit of her enthusiasm and creativity until she leaves for the BBC.
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