Simon Young has been appointed as the new Commissioning Editor for History at the BBC.
 
Young joins the BBC from National Geographic where for the last two years he has worked as Senior Director of Development and Production responsible for overseeing the delivery of new specials and series. Recent commissions include Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist and Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes, which has just been nominated for an RTS award in the History category.
 
Prior to joining National Geographic, Young developed and produced Channel 4’s hit series about the discovery of King Richard III, including the RTS and BAFTA-nominated film Richard III: The King in the Car Park.
 
During his career he has worked as a writer, producer and director on returning series and specials for Channel 4, the BBC, Discovery and A&E and with production companies including Darlow Smithson, Pioneer, Atlantic and Brook Lapping.

Young will work Tom McDonald, Head of Commissioning, Natural History and Specialist Factual.
 
BBC Controller of Factual Commissioning Alison Kirkham said: “When you meet Simon his passion for history is unmistakable – I’m confident that this will translate into inspiring, challenging programmes for BBC audiences.  I’m delighted that he is joining the team. Alongside the appointment of Craig Hunter as Commissioning Editor, Science and Factual Scotland and Fatima Salaria as Commissioning Editor Religion, his appointment demonstrates our strong commitment to all the sub genres within Specialist Factual.”
 
Hamish Mykura, EVP of Programming and Development at National Geographic, said: “Simon is a clever and committed commissioner with a depth of understanding of story and structure that allows good film-makers to make really great films.”
 

Staff Reporter

Share this story