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I’m not sure where this article is from, but probably one of the local Birmingham papers. It is from 1992, when Rod Natkiel was appointed Head of Network Television. As the cutting is rather hard to read, I have transcribed it here:
“Surprise as outsider takes Pebble Mill top job.
Mr Rod Natkiel has been appointed as Head of Network Television at BBC Pebble Mill in a surprise move.
The 40-year-old, who lives in Wylde Green, Birmingham beat off a strong field of internal applicants.
In his new role he will have overall responsibility for drama, leisure and lifestyle, multi-cultural programming output and the new daytime schedule.
Mr Natkiel, a freelance independent producer, was s former BBC TV light entertainment producer and director in Scotland from 1978-84 and is currently production executive at the Birmingham Media Development Agency.
His impressive CV includes work in entertainment, documentary, drama, news and current affairs, including stints on Granada’s Krypton Factor, Channel 4’s QD – The Master Game and Children’s Ward, the ITV drama.
Last night he said: “I am delighted to be joining the BBC again, especially at Pebble Mill which has such an excellent track record.
“These are challenging times for the industry and the BBC itself, of course, has many issues to resolve.
But I’m looking forward very much to being part of that process and hopefully assisting future success of the corporation and Pebble Mill.”
Before accepting the job, Mr Natkiel insisted that he be allowed to retain his MDA post after he starts work with the corporation on Monday.
A BBC insider commented: “This is a fairly sensational appointment. He will be the man who is responsible for all the network TV output from Pebble Mill.”
Mr Bill Cotton, chairman of Noel Gay Television and a former BBC managing director, said: “I think it’s a very good appointment. I think he’s a first class producer with a lot of experience and patience.”
Mrs Dorothy Hobson, director of the MDA, said: “We have always had a close relationship with the BBC because they were one of our original sponsors.”
She said Mr Natkiel had always shown great patience and interest in up-and-coming film makers.”
Thanks to Philip Thickett for sharing the cutting.
The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:
Jean Palmer: ‘I worked for Rod and Jenny Brewer on the 5th Floor. Thought I had made it being on the management floor. He called me to ask me if I could go and unit manage Good Morning with Anne and Nick. Enjoyed that role, worked with a great team of people, fun times and hard times but great times.’
Jane Upston: ‘Yes I worked with him and Jenny too prior to maternity leave from Personnel, as it was called in those days!’
