Jane Tranter to leave BBC Fiction, Stephenson promoted

From Leigh Holmwood for Media Guardian:

The BBC has confirmed that its controller of fiction, Jane Tranter, is to leave her post for a new job in the US.

Tranter will join the BBC's commercial arm BBC Worldwide as executive vice-president of programming and production, overseeing its US scripted and reality business from Los Angeles.

Tranter won't take up her new role until 2009, but the BBC has announced that Ben Stephenson (right) will become Controller, Drama Commissioning - taking over one of Tranter's key responsibilities - with immediate effect. Stephenson was previously Head of Drama Commissioning.

Ben Stephenson said: "Drama on British television has never been in better shape. I am very excited to be able to play my part in ensuring the BBC's offerings continue to be as rich and diverse as possible.

"The drama team have a great understanding of the wide range of content that our audiences enjoy. They work with some of the world's greatest talent in the indie and in-house drama communities.

"Working with them in the future to continue to push creative and artistic boundaries is something I am looking forward to immensely."

Update: As Broadcast explains, Stephenson is now able to give one of the two 'ticks' required for a project to be greenlit - the other must come from the relevant channel controller.

Update (24.09.08): An interesting debate has ensued on the Guardian Organ Grinder blog, including a contribution (apparently) from Nick Elliot.