Stuart Murphy To Head Up BBC Three

Stuart Murphy, currently head of BBC Choice, will become the first controller of the Corporation’s new digital youth channel, BBC Three.

Making the appointment, Jana Bennett, director of television at the BBC, commented: “Stuart has been with BBC Three from the very beginning and has played an integral part in its development and the approval process. We are all really excited about the fresh and contemporary channel he is launching next year, it will bring the best public service values to a younger generation and offer something very different from other digital channels.”

Following a string of delays, the new channel is to launch on Sunday 9 February (see BBC Three Announces February Launch). It was was originally expected to launch last year, but was held back after receiving fierce criticism from commercial broadcasters (see

BBC3 Could Cost Commercial Broadcasters £25m

BBC3 Could Cost Commercial Broadcasters £25m Government Finally Gives BBC3 The Go Ahead), and it is claimed there will be 15 hours of science, religion, ethics and business programming per year and a dedicated 15 minute news programme each weekday evening with hourly bulletins until midnight.

Murphy commented: “It is great to offer brand new drama and entertainment to this audience but I am relishing putting together a schedule which also has new current affairs, factual and news programming aimed at this age group.”

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk

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