BBC Studios appoints Jon Swain as Head of Popular Factual

Previously Director of Development & Head of Formats for Optomen Television, Jon has developed and executive produced across a wide range of factual entertainment genres, including documentaries, features, lifestyle, food and live events. He has also worked as a Development Consultant for Optomen in the United States.

Jon’s impressive range of production credits and development work includes Employable Me for BBC Two, special event documentary Pride & Prejudice: Having A Ball for BBC Two, and bold and brilliant long-running food series such as BBC Two’s Great British Menu and Channel 4’s The F Word.

Jon will lead BBC Studios’ new Popular Factual production unit, which creates new and returning popular factual, lifestyle series and features across Bristol, Wales and Northern Ireland, such as the newly-revamped Crimewatch and Countryfile.

Lisa Opie, Head of BBC Studios Factual, says: “I’m delighted that Jon is joining BBC Studios to establish our new Popular Factual unit. Jon is a highly creative and versatile programme-maker with an incredible track record and vast experience in factual entertainment. I look forward to working with him to enhance our existing portfolio and develop new content in this area.”

Jon Swain says: “I’m thrilled to be launching the Popular Factual unit. It’s home to some wonderful programmes and great programme-makers. I’m very much looking forward to championing the unit’s current stable of brilliant formats, and working with the team on a new generation of shows.”

Popular Factual is one of six production units in BBC Studios Factual, alongside The Natural History Unit, Factual Scotland, Science, Documentaries and Topical and Live.

With the BBC moving to 100 percent competition in all its TV programming, BBC Studios announced restructuring plans in October, to ensure it can compete in the future and continue to make world-class content for its audiences.

Subject to regulatory approval, BBC Studios will launch as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2017 and will be able to compete for work with other UK and international broadcasters, as well as the BBC.

About BBC Studios
BBC Studios is the BBC’s main TV production arm, producing bold, British, creative content for audiences in the UK and around the world. BBC Studios creates a wide range of award-winning TV programming across drama, comedy, entertainment, music, events and factual, as well as radio and digital output.

From Strictly Come Dancing, Doctor Who and Mrs Brown’s Boys, to Glastonbury, Planet Earth II and Life and Death Row, its’ programmes are renowned for their quality and loved by viewers. With bases across the nations and regions of the UK, BBC Studios reflects and represents diverse voices and creative talent from all around the country.

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