By Cailtin Pike
Craig Oliver will be the new editor of BBC ONE’s Ten o’clock News, the BBC have announced.
Currently head of network programmes at ITV News, Oliver succeeds Kevin Bakhurst as editor of the flagship bulletin. Bakhurst was recently appointed controller, BBC News 24.
Oliver said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to work on such a respected programme with some journalists I really admire. However, ITN has been my home for 12 years and I will miss working with the wonderful people there.”
Oliver joined the ITN Training Scheme in 1993, before becoming a producer on the ITV’s News at Ten. He was appointed programme editor on the launch of Channel Five’s Five News in 1997, and returned to ITV News as senior programme editor of the Early Evening News programme in 1999. He joined Channel Four News in 2002, before making his return to ITV News in 2003 as firstly, head of output, and then, head of network news programmes.
The BBC’s head of television news, Peter Horrocks, said: “Craig was the outstanding candidate in a strong field and makes for an important new member to the already strong team of editors in BBC Television News. He has a highly successful track record at ITV and Channel Four, and we look forward to welcoming here shortly.”
Oliver’s move to the BBC may deliver another blow to morale at ITV as his exit swiftly follows other high profile staff jumping ship. Crime correspondent Dan Rivers announced his move to CNN on Friday and presenter Felicity Barr has left to join Al Jazeera International as co-anchor of its London broadcast centre which opens this spring.
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