BBC Two gets key new channel executive

by Staff,, Brand Republic 21-Jan-03, 11:00

LONDON - Red Johnson has been appointed as the new channel executive on BBC Two, reporting to BBC Two controller Jane Root on high-profile corporate and divisional projects and initiatives.

Currently the interactive executive in Factual & Learning, Red joins BBC Two on February 10. He replaces Charlotte Ashton, who has moved over to become head of factual at UKTV.

Red's key role is to provide day-to-day support to Root, focusing on the key strategic priority areas and working alongside the core BBC Two team.

This involves managing editorial quality control, compliance, preparatory research, communicating channel business, liasing with the programme genre management and contributing to the channel's evolving strategy and development.

"Red has played a key role in integrating cross-platform thinking in the BBC and it is this ability to see the bigger picture -- coupled with his experience in business and programme making -- that will make him a valuable asset to the BBC Two team. I'm looking forward to working with him," Root said.

Johnson joined the BBC in January 2001 as an interactive executive, devising the strategy for the BBC's interactive factual entertainment and leisure output and managing a 40-strong team in London and Bristol producing interactive services.

Prior to this, he was a founding director of a new-media food and drink start-up, Foodoo.com, and director of programmes at Transmedia Productions, a leading UK independent production company, which he co-founded in 1995. Before Transmedia, he held producer positions at BBC Manchester and in the independent sector.

According to Johnson: "Having had the opportunity to work with Jane and her team during the past year on 'Great Britons' and other projects, I am excited about joining such a dynamic group and hopefully adding an additional perspective -- especially at a such great time for BBC Two."

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