Frontrunners for BBC3 controller emerge

UKTV controller Matthew Littleford, ITV's head of digital channels Zai Bennett and BBC daytime controller Liam Keelan have emerged as leading contenders for the role of BBC3 controller. Jana Bennett, the director of BBC Vision, is set to formally start the recruitment process following the appointment of Danny Cohen to the role of controller of BBC1, which was announced this morning. . Cohen had been hotly tipped to step into the role vacated by Jay Hunt, who left to take the new role of chief creative officer at Channel 4 and it is understood that a shortlist of candidates is already in circulation. The process of filling the job is believed to be at an early stage. Serious contenders include Keelan, who recently said he aspired to the BBC1's controller job at some stage in his career, and Dominic Bird, the creative director of BBC Entertainment North. BBC Entertainment Productions North is the BBC's Manchester-based in-house entertainment arm. The division is responsible for shows including BBC2's Dragons' Den – which is executive produced by Bird – Mastermind and Question of Sport. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".