George Entwistle takes Edinburgh TV festival role

George Entwistle, the BBC controller of knowledge commissioning, has been appointed advisory chair for the 2011 MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. Entwistle succeeds Deborah Turness, the ITV News editor, who was advisory chair for the 35th annual festival, which took place last month . He 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." The MGEITF executive chair, Elaine Bedell, added: "I'm very pleased George has accepted the role ... I know he will deliver a brilliant, headline-grabbing festival." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".