BBC Broadcast controller of programme acquisition Sophie Turner Laing has been handed an expanded role at the directorate, taking on extra responsibility for business affairs, writes Tim Dams.
Working under the new title of controller of business affairs and programme acquisition, Turner Laing's brief is to increase efficiency in programme procurement across BBC Broadcast's supplier base.

This includes managing all BBC Broadcast outside supplier relationships - encompassing the independent commissioning group, programme acquisitions and sport.

Turner Laing, who oversees a team of 50 in acquisitions, will also take charge of the 90 staff working in business affairs. The post of controller of business affairs has been vacant since Colin Cambell left in 1997.

The appointment will be for an initial six-month period and she will work to BBC Broadcast director of finance and business affairs Glyn Thomas.