Kim Shillinglaw was appointed Controller of BBC Two and BBC Four in April 2014, taking over from Janice Hadlow at a pivotal moment for both channels. Her arrival was widely seen as a statement of intent by the BBC, reflecting a desire to place ambitious factual programming and contemporary storytelling at the heart of its digital and linear strategy.
Before stepping into the controller role, Shillinglaw served as the BBC’s head of science and natural history commissioning. In that position, she built a strong reputation for making complex and sometimes challenging subjects accessible to mainstream audiences. Her commissioning work helped shape a range of programmes that combined rigorous journalism with clear, engaging storytelling, strengthening public trust in the BBC’s factual output.
Shillinglaw’s appointment was warmly welcomed across the broadcasting industry. Roly Keating, former Controller of BBC Two and later Chief Executive of the British Library, publicly praised her credentials, describing her as creative, sharp and decisive. His comments reflected a broader confidence that she possessed both the editorial vision and leadership skills required to guide two of the BBC’s most distinctive channels.
Upon taking charge, Shillinglaw made clear that she wanted BBC Two to play a more active role in public debate. She spoke openly about her ambition for the channel to be part of the national conversation, particularly through documentaries and factual series that examined current social, political and historical issues. This approach aligned with BBC Two’s long standing reputation for thoughtful programming while giving it a renewed sense of urgency and relevance.
Under her leadership, BBC Two commissioned and broadcast a number of high profile and critically acclaimed documentaries. Programmes such as Exodus Our Journey to Europe examined the human stories behind the migrant crisis, while Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners challenged long held assumptions about the country’s history. Black and British A Forgotten History offered a powerful re examination of Britain’s past, bringing overlooked narratives into the mainstream and prompting widespread discussion.
These programmes were notable not only for their subject matter but also for their impact. They generated significant media coverage, audience debate and academic discussion, reinforcing BBC Two’s role as a platform for challenging ideas. Shillinglaw’s commissioning strategy demonstrated a willingness to tackle difficult topics head on, often asking audiences to reconsider familiar versions of British history and identity.
Alongside her editorial priorities, Shillinglaw also had to navigate a period of change within the BBC itself. The corporation was undergoing broader strategic and structural shifts as it adapted to changing viewing habits, financial pressures and the growth of digital platforms. Balancing innovation with the traditional strengths of BBC Two and BBC Four was a key part of her role.
In January 2016, the BBC announced a major reorganization that saw the elimination of the Controller roles for BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Four. The move was designed to streamline management and reflect a more genre based approach to commissioning across the corporation. As a result of this restructuring, Shillinglaw chose to leave the BBC.
Her departure marked the end of a significant chapter for BBC Two. During her time in charge, the channel sharpened its focus on contemporary, thought provoking content and reinforced its reputation for intelligent, socially engaged programming. Many within the industry viewed her tenure as a period of revitalization that strengthened BBC Two’s identity in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
Shillinglaw’s impact on the BBC extended beyond her formal role as controller. Her work demonstrated how factual television could inform, challenge and engage large audiences without sacrificing depth or complexity. Although her time leading BBC Two and BBC Four was relatively short, it left a lasting imprint on the channels and on the wider conversation about the role of public service broadcasting in modern Britain.