Sharman appointed advisory chair for Edinburgh 2006

CBBC controller Alison Sharman will serve as advisory chair for next year's festival, it has been announced.

The advisory chair is responsible for the editorial direction of the festival's programme, including the commissioning of sessions and overseeing final production. The position was held this year by Tim Hincks, creative director of Endemol UK.

"Next year I want the festival to break new ground in our understanding and harnessing of the exciting new digital world," said Sharman. "Rapid changes in technology mean we are going to have to redefine what we mean by television - it's a huge and exciting question and it should be centre stage next year."

Dawn Airey, executive chair of the featival, added: "Alison is one of the industry's most talented executives. I am thrilled she has agreed to be the 2006 Advisory Chair. I know her passion, focus and indefatigability will ensure a damn fine 31st festival."