BBC Lures Damian Kavanagh Back to the Company

LONDON – The BBC has lured Damian Kavanagh back into its fold as controller of BBC Daytime, as incoming BBC director general Tony Hall continues to stamp his authority on the management and personnel at the public broadcaster.

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Kavanagh returns to the BBC from rival U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, where he was head of features and factual formats.

Reporting into BBC One controller Danny Cohen, Kavanagh will be responsible for all daytime commissioning across BBC One and BBC Two, alongside The One Show and the prime 6 to 7 p.m. slot on BBC Two.

Said Kavanagh: “It was a very difficult decision to leave Channel 4, but BBC Daytime has a unique range of top-quality content, from The One Show to programs like Father Brown, Pointless and Great Railway Journeys. I really can’t wait to get started.”

Cohen added: "Damian has a fantastic blend of editorial and scheduling experience, and he’s a team-player. I’m very certain that he will build on the great success of Liam Keelan and the talented daytime team."

Kavanagh replaces Keelan, who is now global editorial director at BBC Worldwide and will take up his new post later this year.

Kavanagh left the BBC in March 2012, quitting his role as CBBC chief, the man in charge of children's output on the broadcaster, to go to Channel 4.

His return is a boost for Hall, who is set to start his role as director general in early April since his appointment after the sudden departure of George Entwistle late last year amid the Jimmy Savile scandal and editorial missteps.