www.broadcastnow.co.uk
14 February 2014
INTERVIEW
PRODUCTION
BEHIND THE SCENES
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Greg Berlanti: Warner Bros’ comic book guy
4K: the new VoD battleground
The Smoke blazes across the screen
Cohen in hunt for BBC2 boss
Contenders emerge as director of TV reveals he is hoping to replace Hadlow ‘by early spring’ BY JAKE KANTER
BBC director of television Danny Cohen will move quickly to replace BBC2 controller Janice Hadlow and could make an appointment in March. Broadcastnow.co.uk revealed earlier this week that Hadlow is stepping down after more than five years in the role. She will leave in early March to become BBC controller of special projects and seasons, which will give her a wideranging creative brief. She will also advise channel controllers. Hadlow will be replaced immediately by an interim controller, who is expected to be named this week. However, Cohen wants her permanent successor in place “by early spring”. He said: “It’s always a big moment when a channel controller moves. Janice has left BBC2 in extremely good shape, treading that line between creativity, distinctiveness and robust performance [in the ratings]. But every new controller faces their own challenge and there will be things they will want to do differently.” News of Hadlow’s departure inevitably sparked speculation and a number of credible candidates are already being linked to the vacancy (see box). The new controller will continue to oversee BBC4, meaning channel editor Cassian Harrison will become a direct report. Cohen said it was “very much” Hadlow’s decision to step down and he had spent the past few weeks discussing a role that would keep her at the BBC.
BBC2 THE EARLY CONTENDERS Emma Willis Head of documentaries, BBC1, BBC2 and BBC4 Experienced factual hand who can boast The Great British Bake Off among her credits.
Kim Shillinglaw BBC commissioner, science and natural history Well regarded at the corporation and has commissioned BBC2 hits including Stargazing Live and The Challenger.
Emma Swain
Line Of Duty: part of BBC2’s slate of intelligent returning drama series
She has proved to be someone who can drive big, highimpact ideas Danny Cohen, BBC
“Janice was very clear that she has been a channel controller for more than 10 years and it was time for a change,” he said. “Her creative calibre is very high and she’s intellectually formidable. She has proved to be someone who can come up with and drive really big, high-impact ideas.”
Hadlow will operate a new “creative label” within BBC Productions, which is part of Cohen’s strategy to free up programmemakers from entrenched processes at the in-house production division. She will primarily devise high-end factual content across different platforms, having had success with shows including The Great British Bake Off. Off “Rather than lose that wisdom and experience, Janice can continue to play a
BBC head of knowledge commissioning George Entwistle showed that the knowledge post can be a stepping stone to bigger jobs.
Ralph Lee Head of factual, Channel 4 Linked to BBC4 role last year, some have suggested he could be tempted by a major BBC channel brief.
role advising the channel controllers, as well as briefing me,” Cohen added. Hadlow will earn a total of £235,050 in her new role – the same sum she received when running BBC2, prior to taking on responsibility for BBC4. The rejuvenation of drama on BBC2 has been a prominent part of her legacy, commissioning hits including Peaky Blinders, The Fall and Line Of Duty.