PETER HORROCKS FACTFILE Born in 1959, Peter gained a double first degree in History at Christ's College, Cambridge He joined the BBC in 1981 as a news trainee He became Editor of Newsnight in 1994, Editor of Panorama in 1997 and Head of Current Affairs in 2000

Peter Horrocks has been picked as the BBC's new Head of Television News.

The department oversees output such as the BBC's flagship One, Six and Ten O'Clock News bulletins, News 24 and Newsnight.

Horrocks, who is currently Head of Current Affairs - in charge of programmes such as Panorama - succeeds Roger Mosey who left to become the new Director of BBC Sport.

Director of News Helen Boaden said: "Peter has a superb track record in television journalism.

"He also has a deep understanding of the television audience and the competitive pressures we face as technology offers our audiences more choice of news than ever before."

Horrocks said: "I am privileged to be taking on the leadership of the most respected TV news operation in the world.

"At a time of tumultuous global events, the role of the BBC in giving all audiences clarity and understanding is paramount.