BBC appoints new media director

NEWS The BBC has appointed Ashley Highfield, managing director of Flextech Interactive, as its first new media director. The 34-year-old will oversee the entire new media operation at the BBC. He will also be charged with linking current services such as BBC online with emerging services such as digital and interactive TV. Highfield was previously head of IT and new media at US broadcasters NBC and a consultant at accountants Coopers & Lybrand.