George Entwistle appointed as MGEITF Advisory Chair.

The MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival today announced that the BBC’s Controller of Knowledge Commissioning, George Entwistle, has been appointed as Advisory Chair for the 2011 Festival.

Entwistle, who spoke in this year’s MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival ‘Build Your Own BBC’ session, has been involved with the Festival in previous years. He succeeded Deborah Turness after the 35th annual Festival this year.

Entwistle is responsible for delivering the Knowledge strategy across the BBC on TV and on the web, from landmark series to documentaries and standalone web products; across specialisms from arts to history, natural history, business, science and religion; to consumer journalism and contemporary factual.

Entwistle said: “I’m really looking forward to stepping up and taking on the role as Advisory Chair. I think Deborah did a brilliant job this year, and I relish the prospect of getting stuck in and making 2011’s Festival the best it can be.”

Elaine Bedell, MGEITF Executive Chair said: “I’m very pleased George has accepted the role…I know that he will deliver a brilliant, headline-grabbing Festival.”

MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival takes place 26 – 28 August 2011. For further details visit www.mgeitf.co.uk