New channel & production head for Media Trust

The Media Trust has appointed Peter Weil as director of production and digital media, with the role of heading up both Media Trust Productions and the Community Channel.

Media Trust chief executive Caroline Diehl said the new appointment reflected the two teams increasing joint work on charity content for Sky, Five, ITV Local, Joost, as well as the Community Channel itself.

"This is a very exciting move, and Peter has just the right skills, experience and passions to grow the reach and impact of this important area of our work," Diehl said.

Weil most recently worked at Discovery Networks where he was the general manager of Animal Planet International. Over his career he has worked with Channel 4 and Granada TV, set up the BBC's first Youth Programmes department in Northern Ireland, and ran the BBC's Topical Features Department which included the Community Programmes Unit.

Weil said of the Media Trust: "Their work is unique and demonstrates the true potential of the media to support the community. The team has shown real verve and flair in pioneering a new style of television and film-making. I greatly look forward to working with a terrific group of professionals as together we take our business to the next level."

Controller of Community Channel Nick Ware has decided to leave after two years.

Diehl added: "Thanks to Nick’s dedication and commitment, the Channel's audience reach and response has been growing steadily, giving a public-facing digital platform to thousands of charities and community organisations across the UK."

Jane Stephenson, who has been running Media Trust Productions for the past four years, will work alongside Peter in her role as creative director. Adam Perry, Community Channel’s head of programmes and campaigns, will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the channel.