BBC World appoints former CNN man to head UK sales

Fagan, who was previously account director at CNN for eight years, handled the US news channel's client portfolio and sponsorship deals with Shell, Lexus, British Airways and Credit Suisse.

He will now manage a team of seven and report to Carolyn Gibson, vice-president of BBC World's sales for North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Gibson said: "Alan has joined BBC World at an important time for the channel as we have just signed a major affiliate distribution deal in the US with Cablevision, increasing our global spread in the commercial market."

In April, the corporation increased its spread into the commercial market by appointing BBDO to handle advertising for the launch of its 24-hour news channel in the US.

Under the proposals, BBC World will now be available to Cablevision subscribers in New York. The channel is now broadcast in more than 200 countries and territories across the world, reaching an estimated 279m homes.

Gibson added: "We believe that our strong brand positioning, international strength and our reputation for impartial and accurate global news and analysis, will continue to appeal to advertisers keen to reach high-profile decision makers."

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