BBC’s George Entwistle resigns
George Entwistle has resigned as Director- General of BBC after just two months in the position. Entwistle stated that he is stepping down to take responsibility for what happened during the Newsnight broadcast on November 2, which aired an inaccurate interview segment with Steve Messham, an abuse victim who said a senior political figure of the time had abused him.
The BBC later issued an apology for having broadcast the report. It said: “We broadcast Mr Messham’s claim but did not identify the individual concerned. Mr Messham has tonight made a statement that makes clear he wrongly identified his abuser and has apologised.”
Messham’s claims led to former senior Tory Lord McAlpine being wrongly implicated in a child abuse scandal centering on a Welsh care home.
In light of the events, BBC immediately paused all Newsnight investigations to assess editorial robustness and supervision; as well as suspended all co-productions with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism across the network.
Director of music and audio Tim Davie has been appointed the Acting Director-General in the wake of Entwistle’s resignation. Tim Davie had recently taken on the role as CEO of BBC Worldwide after John Smith’s departure.
Deena Edwards appointed SVP for DNI’s Global Brand Solutions
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND – Discovery Networks International (DNI) has appointed Deena Edwards to the role of Senior Vice President of Global Branded Solutions. In her new role, Edwards will work with the international ad sales teams worldwide and lead the construction of global and regional branded entertainment solutions for advertising clients across original productions, digital media and Discovery Enterprises International.
An 18-year veteran of Discovery Communications, Edwards has worked across a variety of networks and departments, including ad sales, affiliate marketing and education. She joined Discovery Channel in 2003 as Manager, Program Development. In 2010, she was promoted to Senior Vice President of Integrated Content for Discovery Channel and Science Channel.
Walt Disney SEA appoints Chris Marsh as GM of Studio Entertainment
SINGAPORE – The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia has appointed Chris Marsh as General Manager, Studio Entertainment, reporting to Robert Gilby, Managing Director, TWDC – SEA. Marsh will oversee all movie distribution, LIVE events and marketing across Southeast Asia for live-action and animated films from Disney, Pixar and Marvel studios.
With the integrated Disney Southeast Asia organisation in place, Marsh will work closely with other lines of businesses to expand key partnerships and marketing synergies while increasing the reach of the Disney and Marvel brands.
Beverly McGarvey is Network Ten’s Chief Programming Officer
Beverley McGarvey has been officially promoted to Chief Programming Officer for Australia’s Network Ten. McGarvey has been Network Ten’s Acting Chief Programming Officer since August 24, following David Mott’s departure.
McGarvey joined Network Ten as Network Head of Programming in 2006 from TV3 in New Zealand, where she was Director of Programming for two years. Before TV3, she spent four years as Head of Program Scheduling and Promotions for TV3 Ireland.
Simon Twiston Davies receives the CASBAA Chairman’s Award
HONG KONG – Simon Twiston Davies was awarded the Annual CASBAA Chairman’s Award on the final day of the CASBAA Convention 2012. He is set to step down from his current role as CEO on December 31, and will be succeeded by a new management team led by in-coming CEO Christopher Slaughter.
With Slaughter’s arrival, John Medeiros will be promoted to the new role of Chief Policy Officer and will become Senior Government Relations Advisor to the Board. The new team will be completed by Jill Grinda, who is newly appointed as Executive Vice President, focusing on operations and CASBAA’s advertising initiatives.
Roger Enrico steps down from DreamWorks Animation
Roger Enrico has resigned as Chairman of the Board of Directors of DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. Fellow Board member Mellody Hobson will replace him as the new Chairman.
Enrico has served as chairman of DreamWorks Animation since its inception as a public company in 2004. Prior to this, he served 31 years as as Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Inc.
DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire management team, I’d like to deeply thank Roger for his unfailing service over the past eight years and wish him the very best in the future.”
