Category: ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½;
CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
Date: 31.03.2005
Printable version
Dorothy Prior, Controller of CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, is to take up a new role spearheading
the drive to deliver more effective production and resource management
across the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, and offering audiences increased value for money.
Reporting to Mark Thompson, Director-General, Dorothy Prior becomes
Controller of Production Resources and will lead the work going on to
increase efficiency and effectiveness throughout all production.
She will work with production teams to ensure that in-house production
makes the best use of resources and technology to deliver innovative
ideas and approaches to programme making.
In her new role, Dorothy will play a major part in Mark Thompson's
drive to transform the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½.
She will seek out and champion new ways of working, will spearhead
the exchange of information about developments in production management
and will explore ways of improving production methods.
She will liaise closely with the central change@bbc team and with
colleagues in Resources, Technology and Finance.
Mark Thompson said: "This is a very important role for the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½. Getting
the best possible value for money that we can out of production, while
still producing excellent content, must be a key priority for us.
"Dot's many achievements include delivering two hugely successful
children's channels which have helped pioneer innovative and effective
approaches in production and the use of resources. This experience will
be of enormous value in her new role."
Dorothy Prior said: "Working for CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ has been a genuine passion for
me but, in the end, it was just impossible to turn down what is a fantastic
opportunity to work at the heart of the whole organisation and really
try to help production teams everywhere.
"I leave CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ with real sadness as I have been working with the
best team in the business, and we have created something unique for
young audiences which they love.
"I know that the channels and CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ as a whole will continue to
go from strength to strength - not least with the increased investment
in programming that Mark has already announced and I will help to deliver
through my new job."
Alan Yentob, Director of Drama, Entertainment and CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, said: "Dot
has led CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ with real energy and commitment, and she has been a passionate
champion on behalf of her young audience in delivering award-winning
programmes backed by strong business management.
"She has a natural understanding of programme making and will
be a great success in her new role - I am sorry to lose her."
Dorothy Prior will begin her new role in May and the search for her
successor will begin immediately.
Biography
Dorothy Prior joined the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ after leaving college. She moved from
radio to television production in 1978 where she has worked on an enormous
range of programmes from studio shows and major outside broadcasts to
landmark film series.
Dorothy worked for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide on the development of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ America
and later as New Media Development Manager, concentrating on early trials
of interactive television and video on-demand (VOD).
After a couple of years as a freelance in the independent sector, Dorothy
returned to the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ in 1997 as Business Manager to Lorraine Heggessey.
She took over from Lorraine as Head of Children's Production in 1999
and worked as Head of Programming to Nigel Pickard before being made
Controller of CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ in January 2003.
Dorothy devised the current structure for CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and masterminded the
launch of its two new digital channels.
Notes to Editors
CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ is the generic term for the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s children's programming and online
services which incorporates:
CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and CBeebies programming on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ ONE and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TWO;
The CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Channel and CBeebies, the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s subscription-free, dedicated
children's digital channels which launched in February 2002.
CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ is aimed at six to 12 year olds and CBeebies is aimed at pre-school
children;
CÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ online and interactive services.
