BBC commended at BANFF

The BBC has won the Banff World Television Festival Outstanding Achievement Award, making it the first broadcaster to win the global award three times.

Now in its 22nd year, the prize is given by the Festival's board of governors for work over a period of time. The judges commended BBC programmes including Strictly Come Dancing, Planet Earth and Doctor Who, and for leading the development of digital television, radio and online services.

"The Banff World Television Festival salutes the many outstanding achievements of the BBC," said Jennifer Harkness, BWTVF director of content. "The BBC continues to lead the way with its outstanding television programming and brand."

The BBC Natural History Unit won the award in 1990, as did its drama department in 1998. Other winners have included Channel 4, and US networks CBS and HBO.

BBC director-general, Mark Thompson, said: "It is an honour for our high quality and successful programming across several genres to be recognised by the Banff World Television Festival and celebrated before the international broadcasting community.

"I am particularly pleased for the recognition of the BBC's forward-looking role in innovating for new digital platforms and audiences across television, radio and online," he added.

Thompson will collect the award at this year's Banff festival, which takes place on June 11-13 at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada.