Interviews – Media – Sham Sandhu

Sham Sandhu, 28, has been promoted from development planner at BBC1 to the newly created post of head of new media and new channels for BBC Production – the corporation’s programme making company. His brief is to boost the directorate’s output for the BBC’s digital, UKTV, online and interactive services. His role will involve working across all genres, liaising with BBC Production department heads and digital channel controllers

Sham has since left the BBC to become controller of interactive services at Channel 5

Former-title:Development planner, BBC1.

New title:Head of new media and new channels, BBC Production.

Time in old position:One year.

Reasons for changing position?
I have a short attention span and love new challenges. Also the advert for the new job intrigued me.

What will you miss most about your previous job?
Peter Salmon’s sense of humor [BBC1 controller].

What will you miss least?
The nasty sandwiches provided at commissioning meetings.

What are you most excited about?
Working with a team of fresh, exciting and young producers.

What are you least excited about?
The time it takes to effect changes in large corporations.

What are your personal ambitions?
To break new ground: to be responsible for creating the most innovative content on the web and on digital TV.

What are your new responsibilities?
I am head of a ‘virtual department’ – responsible for the development of BBC in-house production content across three platforms: online, digital channels, and interactive TV.

What does the future hold for the BBC?
Hopefully an exciting time. With a new director general who plans to refocus the corporation’s energies back towards producing superlative programmes and content, I feel confident the BBC is entering a new golden age.

Any pearls of wisdom for budding young hopefuls attempting to get into the industry?
Firstly, get as much experience as you can – and get noticed by making yourself invaluable wherever you work. Secondly, network widely and find yourself a mentor who can help guide you through the industry. And, lastly, believe that you will make it, and never let anyone shake your self-confidence.

What is the worst job you’ve ever done?
All I’m going to say is that it involved a filming trip with the pets from a very well known children’s programme – the back seats of my car were never the same again!

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