Ex-ITV director of programmes Nigel Pickard confirmed this afternoon that he is joining RDF Media as director of family and children's programming.

Pickard will take up the post in early spring. His role will also encompass the position of managing director at a new RDF subsidiary company dedicated solely to children's programming.

"I believe there is a real opportunity to establish RDF as one of the UK's leading suppliers of family and children's programming and to create significant value," said Pickard. "I was very attracted by the fact that RDF has the capability not only to produce content but, through RDF Rights, exploit it as well."