Bennett appointed BBC's Director of Television

Jana Bennett has been appointed the BBC's Director of Television, it has been announced today.

Currently holding the position of Executive Vice President and General Manager at Discovery Communications in the USA, Bennett will take over the new role from April.

"Jana’s experience and success over the last two and a half years, running a channel in the American multi-channel market, gives her an invaluable perspective," said Director-General Greg Dyke. "Her track record at the BBC was brilliant, she is well respected, well liked and has achieved great success since going to the States. We’re delighted to welcome her back to the BBC."

"This is an incredibly exciting time for the BBC with the reinvigoration of BBC One and BBC Two, the launch of the new channels and the challenge to keep raising the creative benchmark," said Jana today. "I’m really looking forward to working with Greg and the new Executive team to make sure the BBC is in strong shape, with a clear vision for the future. My time with Discovery, and particularly in building TLC (The Learning Channel), has been incredibly fulfilling. The joy of returning to the BBC in this role is that Discovery is an important partner so the links will remain strong."