BBC3’s Bennett to head Sky Atlantic
April 15, 2014
BBC3 controller Zai Bennett is switching channels to run Sky Atlantic, just a month after the corporation confirmed his TV network was to become online-only.
Bennett, who joined the BBC from ITV three years ago, is set to leave the corporation around June and will then join BSkyB as director of Sky Atlantic – the UK home of HBO’s output, as well as original commissions.
Bennett said: “I’ve hugely enjoyed working at BBC3 but this felt like an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I leave BBC3 on top form with its highest ever viewing share and six nominations at this year’s BAFTAs. I will miss working with the outstanding channel and commissioning teams, the BBC is lucky to be home to some of the most creative and inspiring people in television and it’s been a privilege to learn from them in my time here.”