Hancock
The BBC has chosen Colin Hancock from Radio 1 to spearhead its new "news with attitude" programmes on BBC Choice.
Hancock, editor of Radio 1 news programmes, has been made editor of television news output for the channel, which includes the new one-minute bulletins, 60 Seconds, that are due to be launched in July, as well as its entertainment news show, Liquid News.
The plan to create a new news bulletin – aimed at audiences not traditionally drawn to news programmes – was announced by director general Greg Dyke at the Edinburgh Television Festival last year as part of the corporation’s plans to relaunch BBC Choice as a youth-oriented BBC Three.
While the BBC waits for the Government’s decision on its digital proposals, the bulletins will go on air every two hours, but would be on the hour on the new channel.
Hancock, who has been working on developing the new bulletins since earlier this year, believes they will fill the gap between the children’s programme Newsround and more traditional bulletins.
"While we are going to be up against E4 and Sky One, Choice will be the only entertainment channel to have news," said Hancock, who has also worked as a producer for Radio 4’s Today programme and World at One.
"Radio 1 has done very well with reaching a different audience with news, but this is a first for TV," he added.
Chris Wilson, currently deputy editor for news on BBC Choice, will be Hancock’s deputy across all the output, with special responsibility as programme editor for Liquid News, presented by Christopher Price.
Sixteen new staff have been recruited to work on the news bulletin and on the linked website.
While up to five news stories will be featured in the one-minute slot, further stories which can be read on the website will be shown on a split screen.
Roger Mosey, head of television news, said: "BBC Television News wants to reach audiences of all ages and to develop a range of different styles.
"The service for BBC Choice is really important to us, and Liquid News has already shown what we can achieve. We’re delighted Colin will lead the next phase."
By Julie Tomlin
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