C4 appoints first multicultural commissioner

Channel 4 has appointed Aaqil Ahmed as its first multicultural commissioning editor.

Ahmed will remain commissioning editor, religion and take additional responsibility for developing multicultural programming.

The broadcaster has committed to spend more on shows reflecting diversity and give them primetime slots as part of its Next On 4 proposals to prove its public service credentials.

Channel 4 head Julian Bellamy said: "Aaqil already has a strong track record in commissioning powerful and provocative films for Channel 4. His new role will enable him to extend his role into 9pm and 10pm, and will encourage new multicultural ideas and talent to find a home at the channel."

Ahmed added: "This is an exciting moment with Channel 4’s renewed commitment to multicultural programming and I’m looking forward to helping to deliver a distinctive take on what modern multicultural programming should be." His recent commissions include the recent Islam season and Priest Idol.