BBC expected to name production chief

Mark Linsey

The BBC is expected to formally appoint Mark Linsey the boss of its new in-house production unit BBC Studios later today.

Linsey will fill the role vacated by the outgoing Peter Salmon, whose surprise exit and move to Endemol Shine was announced at the start of the month.

BBC Studios and its 2,000 staff is responsible for all of the BBC’s own programme-making and will also work with third party broadcasters in a contentious extension of the BBC’s activities.

The Radio Times broke the news of Linsey’s appointment at BBC Studios.

Linsey has held a variety of roles within the UK pubcaster and is currently acting director of television, covering the position previously held by Danny Cohen. Linsey had been controller of BBC Entertainment and that role has been filled on an interim basis by Alan Tyler.

Salmon leaves the BBC in May and will become chief creative officer of Endemol Shine Group.

The Radio Times said that Linsey’s appointment comes ahead of a wider organisational shake-up at the BBC that will also see BBC Studios expand further.