New BBC Four Controller named

Janice Hadlow has been named as the new Controller of BBC Four. Hadlow is currently the Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4.

The BBC's Director of Television, Jana Bennett, said: "Since its launch just over two years ago, BBC Four has brought something fresh and distinctive to multi-channel audiences through its rich mix of award-winning programmes.

"Janice's exceptional experience, gained from her Channel 4 post and previous BBC roles, make her the perfect candidate to take the channel into the next phase of its development and growth. "Her passion for factual programming is evident from the breadth of hugely ambitious and successful programmes that she has commissioned as Head of Channel 4's Specialist Factual department - including David Starkey's Six Wives, The 1940s House, Operatunity and Emmy award-winning The Death Of Klinghoffer.

"Janice has the ability to spot trends and programmes that can reach new audiences, and which challenge, question and surprise - exactly the right qualities needed for BBC Four.

"For example, as Joint Head of the BBC's History Department, Janice persuaded Simon Schama to present A History Of Britain - a series which changed the face of history television; and in the BBC's Music and Arts department Janice originated and edited the first two series of Home Front, a series that broke new ground in lifestyle programming, as well as overseeing the seminal and influential arts strand The Late Show."