Alison Sharman

Alison Sharman is controller of CBBC, with overall responsibility for BBC children's programmes, including acquisitions, commissions and CBBC online. She has enjoyed a long career at the BBC and had been head of BBC daytime programming from 2002 until taking up the new position on 20 June 2005, at the age of 40.

Related Topics:
CBBC - 2002 - 20 June - 2005

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Alison wants to increase the budget available for children's programmes. She believes that CBBC is the BBC in microcosm, and that it should offer the same range and quality to young audiences.

Related Topics:
BBC - Microcosm

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Shortly after becoming controller of CBBC, Ms Sharman made clear her belief - given that the TV licence fee is universal - in the need to reach out and connect with all sections of society. "Above all," she says, "we must always keep a respectful focus upon two of the core needs of children: first, the need to understand and express something of their deep inner world. And secondly, the need to understand their place in - and relationship to - the outer world, from their immediate family to the wider society."

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Alison has introduced a new children's sports news programme on Saturday mornings called Sportsround, and has commissioned new drama for CBBC. She will also be bringing back a programme called Jackanory.

Related Topics:
Sportsround - Jackanory

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