Richard Deverell
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Richard Deverell is Controller of CBBC, the department within the BBC responsible for output aimed at children.
[edit] Reputation
Since assuming his post last year, Deverell has been ruthless in his efforts to re-align CBBC towards a target audience of 6-12 years. Several popular series have either been revised or cancelled outright; Byker Grove ended in 2006 after 18 series, the last being broadcast solely on the digital CBBC Channel. The other teenage drama series, Grange Hill, was removed from BBC1 in 2007 favour of exclusive scheduling on CBBC and from next year will concentrate on the early years of secondary school in order to fit in with CBBC's new brief.[1]
In May 2006, Deverell promised there were no plans to alter the format of Grange Hill.[2]
The BBC has announced its new programming strand for older children and teenagers will launch this Autumn, but CBBC has been criticised for not continuing to provide for this age range until the new service is up and running.[citation needed]
[edit] Career history
He was previously on the Board of BBC News, as Head of News Interactive, where he was responsible for all interactive versions of BBC News including the BBC News website, Interactive TV, Ceefax and iCan.
Prior to that, he was Head of Strategy and Marketing for BBC News, where he was responsible for strategy, marketing and business development.
He joined BBC News in 1995 after several years in BBC strategy. Projects included the negotiations over the BBC's Charter renewal; assessing the impact and opportunities of the Internet; and developing the BBC's response to multi-channel television distribution.
Prior to joining the BBC, Richard worked for several years in management consultancy.
He read Natural Science at Cambridge and is married with three children.
Richard is also a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Source: BBC Press Office
