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The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has today appointed George Entwistle as Director, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Vision.

The appointment concludes an extensive recruitment search that followed Jana Bennett's departure from the post in January 2011. Entwistle will also join the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's Executive Board with immediate effect.

George Entwistle, who will take up the post with immediate effect, said: "I am genuinely honoured to have been chosen for the role of Director, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Vision. The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's television portfolio is of enormous importance to the creative and cultural life of the UK and is performing strongly in terms of quality and audience reach and share. At the heart of its success, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Vision Productions is responsible for some of the best television programmes we broadcast.

"I feel enormously proud to be leading these teams and I will do my utmost to build on the legacy of talent and excellence left by my predecessor, Jana Bennett."

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Director General Mark Thompson said: "I am delighted to be able to confirm George as the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's new Director, Vision. The breadth of his experience across journalism, the arts and factual programmes, combined with his rock-solid editorial judgement and deep understanding of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's values, equip him brilliantly for this formidable task.

"I am looking forward to working closely with him to ensure the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's television portfolio remains the envy of the broadcasting world."

Notes to Editors

The Director, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Vision is responsible for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Two, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Four, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One HD, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Films. He also oversees Vision Productions and has editorial oversight for UKTV.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Vision portfolio currently has 32% ytd share up from 31.8% ytd for 2010.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Television has just received 48 BAFTA nominations (excluding news and sport) for the 2011 BAFTA television awards.

JP